I
Perhaps,
God, planting Eden,	
Dropped, by mistake, a seed	
In Time’s neighbor-plot,	
That grew to be
This hour?	
 
II
You and I picked up Life and looked at it curiously;	
We did not know whether to keep it for a plaything or not.	
It was beautiful to see, like a red firecracker,	
And we knew, too, that it was lighted.
We dropped it while the fuse was still burning …	
 
III
I am going to die too, flower, in a little while—	
Do not be so proud.	
 
IV
The sun is dying	
Alone
On an island	
In the bay.	
 
Close your eyes, poppies—	
I would not have you see death.	
You are so young!
 
V
The sun falls	
Like a drop of blood	
From some hero.	
 
We,	
Who love pain,
Delight in this.