the wretched noble
Noble to ignoble
in such a trifle
when the muse
does one refuse
and then stifle
one becomes
When passion's flames
flicker low
the seeds of decay
doomed to spay
does one sow
in one's soul
Dig a deep hole
in the yielding earth
down to molten rock
and do not balk
at the blazing hearth
keep at it
The blasted pit
will soon give way
to the cool center
and here in enter
as the light of day
seeps below
Stem the flow
hold at bay
life's forces
from ebbing away
in wayward courses
and plug the cracks
lest Death attacks
the silent foe
breaches the fort
with sickle and hoe
reaps at the throat
and casts red pallor