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June Death
Mater simplissima Stands at the evening gate, Calling her children home Into the stony places. Hapless they wait, Mute, with rebellious faces. Unyielding voice, Like stone, made audible, Unyielding eyes, Must these lay down for you Impetuous summer as a sacrifice? Must living be a song they never knew? Mother most simple Who, being nothing, made them nothing too. Flower on the bending stalk, Bird with despairing note, Defiant worldling, come! Turning, they see In the last breathless hour, the ruby-throat Raping his hollyhock.