In Durance

THE window-square Gapes on a cloudy blank, where beyond the Islands In sable space the solemn dayclean widens,
Wells in grave air.
Cold creek; cold sky;
Cold bricks within;
I kneel and kindle my fire,
Whose lief and lovely breath feigns to conspire Against our jeopardy.

In failing dark
The bird-foot wind sculls over the sealed deep,
Whereunder sharp fins flicker and claw-legs creep,
Where porpoise, drum and shark
Swim on forever
Battened down in ocean, roofed, floored, breathing brine,
As we are sealed, sunk, drowned,—by endless pressure Suspended swimming in Time.