Without a Vision
Poemata XLIX
"Ev'ry disease finds home in a dying man," He says to the wind which blows across Fifth avenue; "And who among men can "Find a cure for death?" the chill of loss In the winter air blows harder as though The deaf wind could hear; "This library "Once was great. And crowned with snow "Its majesty had no equal." The contrary Wind changes direction, he turns his head -- no one but he can hear; "(Perhaps Rome "Boasted the Pantheon, but most are dead "That stood greater.)" And turning for home He pauses again and looks at the great lion - a cherub really, and says, "You!! Of stone-- "Do you know life or death? Any scion "Of man knows." The polished statue shone In the noonday, but spoke not, having not Mouth nor ears nor eyes. "You thing of rock!! "God could make you move with a thought "When earth bore you." But no ticking clock Measures the life of stones; long eons they Sleep dreamless. "One day soon this people "Will sleep like you! not carven as a guard "But as a byword instead." A long steeple Casts it shadow, growing longer across a yard Nothing moves but the wind. "(It is well. For all shall be well;) I knew this empty parish It once was filled. All is become this spell-- 'Without a vision, my people perish.' "