Once I saw mountains angry, And ranged in battle-front. Against them stood a little man; Aye, he was no bigger than my fing… I laughed, and spoke to one near m…

There was a great cathedral. To solemn songs, A white procession Moved toward the altar. The chief man there

Upon the road of my life, Passed me many fair creatures, Clothed all in white, and radiant. To one, finally, I made speech: “Who art thou?”

Many red devils ran from my heart And out upon the page, They were so tiny The pen could mash them. And many struggled in the ink.

Once, I knew a fine song, —It is true, believe me— It was all of birds, And I held them in a basket; When I opened the wicket,

God fashioned the ship of the worl… With the infinite skill of an All… Made He the hull and the sails, Held He the rudder Ready for adjustment.

I saw a man pursuing the horizon; Round and round they sped. I was disturbed at this; I accosted the man. “It is futile,” I said,

There was crimson clash of war. Lands turned black and bare; Women wept; Babes ran, wondering. There came one who understood not…

If there is a witness to my little… To my tiny throes and struggles, He sees a fool; And it is not fine for gods to men…

Blustering God, Stamping across the sky With loud swagger, I fear You not. No, though from Your highest heav…

When the prophet, a complacent fat… Arrived at the mountain-top, He cried: “Woe to my knowledge! I intended to see good white lands And bad black lands,

I met a seer. He held in his hands The book of wisdom. “Sir,” I addressed him, “Let me read.”

Behold, from the land of the farth… I returned. And I was in a reptile-swarming p… Peopled, otherwise, with grimaces, Shrouded above in black impenetrab…

Supposing that I should have the… To let a red sword of virtue Plunge into my heart, Letting to the weeds of the ground My sinful blood,

Once, I knew a fine song, —It is true, believe me— It was all of birds, And I held them in a basket; When I opened the wicket,