When Fishes Flew

When fishes flew and forests walked

And figs grew upon thorn

Some moment when the moon was blood

Then surely I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening cry

And ears like errant wings

The devil's walking parody

On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth.

Of ancient crooked will;

Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb

I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;

One far fierce hour and sweet:

There was a shout about my ears,

And palms before my feet.