Blake's glad day older.
Is it in greater time's nature?
Recall the zest full youth
But do not praise him overmuch
else marvelous that may yet present
and eclipse glory's zenith
so that the grandest vision is enfeebled
our loudest "ah" multiplied.
This maturer appearance
seems made of less splendor
seems a less radiant shimmer,
But how solid and reliable, powerful
forces forged this figment,
this idiot's tale full of sound and fury
makes sense only to the experiencer
and so we stop reaching out
of ambition and quietly resolve
that all is as it should be
and the youthful frenetic motion
has now found full command in stillness.
More still, yet,
the wise old man hears in the silence
Creation's' triumph.
Nature applauds as he dying, smiles.
Thursday before Good Friday 1995
