Cold and stark, silent, dark

bonded atoms: strong as steel—

unwilling eager guardian—

watchful limestone wheel.

–

There’s no tread can wake the dead

or break the quiet stone.

Night creeps in on shameful day;

the maker sleeps alone.

–

Roman dust, silent must

guard my stone with wooden spears.

Bored and stiff, the coldest shift

 seems to stand for years.

–

Empty slab, gone the drab

the feel of dying earth.

From shiver light to a quake of bright

a shock of life like birth!

–

Dawning grey, before the day

she comes in tears, alone.

Hears his voice, great rejoice!

runs to make it known.