“AND THESE — ARE THESE INDEED THE END”

By William Watson

And these — are these indeed the end,

This grinning skull, this heavy loam?

Do all green ways whereby we wend

Lead but to yon ignoble home?

Ah well! Thine eyes invite to bliss;

Thy lips are hives of summer still.

I ask not other worlds while this

Proffers me all the sweets I will.