How may we be released from memories ?

One dreads each green renewal of the grain,

Reviving ancient life. If but the brain

Might be made clean of last year's withered lies,

Blown like brown leaves across the April skies

In hateful resurrection, and retain

Only the springs of promise, fine and sane,

And a kind, leading hand to make us wise.

If with the running sap a royal birth

Each year might be accomplished, strong and free

With the sweet prescience of virginity,

Then were we true inheritors of earth,

And the large lonely stars no more should see

The age worn phoenix-lives that make our dearth.