The Snowflake Which Is Now And Hence Forever

Will it last? he says.

Is it a masterpiece?

Will generation after generation

Turn with reverence to the page?

Birdseye scholar of the frozen fish,

What would he make of the sole, clean, clear

Leap of the salmon that has disappeared?

To be, yes!—whether they like it or not!

But not to last when leap and water are forgotten,

A plank of standard pinkness in the dish.

They also live

Who swerve and vanish in the river.