Classical Quatrain

For rage and dignity no words compare

wi the Atlantic Ocean lashed by winds;

gestures of love of juveniles are sweeter

than any words of mine. But for alcaic

rapidity and a pat surprise i' the end

you must read Horace: oh, the fertile fields

and the repetitive factories produce,

tho many other things, no metaphors.

Many a labor is heavier to do

and profit by than stanzas, but these are

within my skill: shall I ungratefully

my gift of formal speech disdain?

By formal speech Sheharazad a thousand

midnights prone violence appeased,

the homicidal hurry 7' the soul

embarrassed into an uncertain smile.