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