Whitman's Staff

The trials and tribulations of this lifetime you speak of
subtly
Nature's harsh cycle of life can you bear witness to...

Oh casualty of the galing wind!
Oh casualty of eroding time!

Your brittle bones crackle underfoot
Relic of past shimmering vibrance--exuberance
Once, in proud youth you proudly heralded the feast of Beltane
With arms leaping, you offered green bestowances to Apollo high
above
Sweet ambrosia sprung forth from your fruitful bosom...
Yet your children were shunned
Allowed to wither on the vine--
--to sludge
A hollow vessal--symbol of struggle

Oh casualty of the galing wind!
Oh casualty of eroding time!