Unshadowed Pool

You are a pool unshadowed by cast luster,

Crystal as air, having no skill to hold

Skies that are cloudy-petalled, and the rushes blowing-

Intricate patterns and sun-aureoled.

Pools should be spread with design caught from heaven,

Laced by near stems, and taking the quick bird.

They should be garmented with far-sought garments

Lest any come there and find the pool unstirred;

Lest, at arm's length, pebble to pebble lying, °

Life's farthest depths show clear as whitened bone,

Nothing be water-misted, nothing secret,

Past the rent altar-veil, the common stone.