With Gold and Crystal Bejeweled

He said he would prosper If he lived that long. Meanwhile, life happened Passing like a freight train. The years, the dusty years: They rolled and rolled. To some event not planned. Water in the summer, ice in the winter Was the way the world rolled. Sometimes it seemed as if Only a pauper could live the life unimpeded. Rest was torn from the room Like old and faded wallpaper. There was an erstwhile event Unfolding like origami. Nevertheless, nature spoke And everyone listened. When their turn came People stood at attention And took their pay. The military was no help at all. Even guns became mute as asps. Thus we see that everlasting is a real fidelity. Brides give over their hands To a ring of gold. The gold will not tarnish, But earth will eat it. Noon turns to dusk Like a drunken sailor-- staggering. Time is short in this place, This place of fine crystal, All clear, transparent, bejeweled. She is decked out in finery, No fool would scorn her. No sailor would pass her unnoticed.