In whole perfection of a shell
Its calcite universe contained
In creamy whorls of doubt’s dispel
Reflective pearl of truth contained
That I could see myself in you
My image in your shining eye
Your blanch might fossilise me through
Illusion from my mind would fly
Paired globe and case a speck of white
Strewn up upon primeval shore
Along its stretch of shadow flight
Beyond the line of mad froth’s draw
In watery distortion I
Stand longing for your bone-white beach
Where dry and rational you lie
Beauty, perfection out of reach.
x
Its calcite universe contained
In creamy whorls of doubt’s dispel
Reflective pearl of truth contained
That I could see myself in you
My image in your shining eye
Your blanch might fossilise me through
Illusion from my mind would fly
Paired globe and case a speck of white
Strewn up upon primeval shore
Along its stretch of shadow flight
Beyond the line of mad froth’s draw
In watery distortion I
Stand longing for your bone-white beach
Where dry and rational you lie
Beauty, perfection out of reach.
x
