The Final Layer

Ascending as into the vault of a skyward crypt,
Heads slowly vanishing into black, the
Long shadow as of a sundial.

Up here, mountains frown but do not smoke,
Touched by clouds, agents of evaporation,
Mercy in rain that visits the marble.

Midnight for the visit of this time:
Descending to normality, the way of all flesh
Gifted in marble, the hostess declining,

Her graceful farewell in the stairwell,
Returned to earth by the curling care
In this helter-skelter’s decline, not fall.