"Springs Eternal In the Human Breast".

Faulkner, John

   "Springs Eternal In the Human Breast"

   Oh, crystal dream beyond the hills' blue haze
   Neither far nor near but always beyond
   Who watches endeavor with indifferent grace
   Who masks off the present with a counterfeit wand

   When we shut our eyes we but bring you close
   And near is far and beyond is in our heart
   Where you sit untouched beneath frustration's curse
   And alpha and omega is a thing apart

   You breed nostalgia--misconception's child--In
   timeless sand beyond an empty sea
   And savage hope and disillusion's sneer
   Is a stenciled mile in a minor key

   Alabaster saint, with your feet of clay
   Invited, unwanted, untouched by scorn
   Who scorns in turn behind a spurious mask
   Who will never die because you are not born

   Oh, jealous mistress, draped in flowing robe
   Who paints tomorrow in a color that fades
   Whose ready promise is framed in wordless lips
   Whose marble breasts are soft with pastel shades

   For each tinsel promise I curse your face
   Inarticulate lips and your empty eyes
   And I sink in miasma then with frantic haste
   I beg again to believe your lies