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Rather notice, mon cher,
that the moon is
tilted above
the point of the steeple
than that its color
is shell-pink.

Rather observe
that it is early morning
than that the sky
is smooth
as a turquoise.

Rather grasp
how the dark
converging lines
of the steeple
meet at the pinnacle—
perceive how
its little ornament
tries to stop them—

See how it fails !
See how the converging lines
of the hexagonal spire
escape upward—
receding, dividing !
—sepals
that guard and contain
the flower !

Observe
how motionless
the eaten moon
lies in the protecting lines.

It is true :
in the light colors
of morning
brown-stone and slate
shine orange and dark blue.

But observe
the oppressive weight
of the squat edifice !
Observe
the jasmine lightness
of the moon.

« To a Solitary Disciple »
Al Que Quiere !
Four Seas Company
1917
p. 67