Edging into the mouth of a cave
     ---The Sinks---
     A great tunnel,
     By which nature sent
     A stream through
     About a mile's length of limestone:
     Feeling not at all Platonic,
Anticipating that
     The secrets of the cave
     And darkness,
          Left unexplored by me,
     Offered more (essential)
Knowledge
     Than the clear world
     Of the blinding sun beyond
     The mouth.

I stood in awe
     Beside a stream low with drought,
     Anticipating secrets
     And wishing for light
          That I might enter the darkness
                                 Safely,
Finding that the sunscape outside
     Drew my eyes but not my heart
     As I briefly accepted
     The invitation of the silent
          Realm of darkness
          Without regret.

11/2/81
 

Index     Durbin