CHANGE

Just as this wood, cast on the snaky fire,

Crushes the curling heads till smoke is thickened

And the ash sinks beneath the billet's weight,

And then again the hissing heads are quickened:

Just as this wood, by fretful fangs new stung,

Glows angrily, then whitens in the grate

And slowly smouldering smoulders away,

And dies defeated every famished tongue

And nothing's left but a memory of heat

And the sunk crimson telling warmth was sweet:

Just as this wood, once green with Spring's swift fire

Dies to a pinch of ashes cold and gray....

Just as this wood ——