A Wasteland Sonnet

I am saved by love the way the fisherman

In the myth is cured by that knowledgeable knight

Who step by step and counter to his ban

Works a unique and superstitious rite

That frees the waters, and suddenly they run

Through the fisherman's country and the silver blight

Quits his wheat, and his dry herds begin

To calve, and the king himself to govern right.

This is the way throughout my sick estate

Where love effects its ruthless cure of will;

The will restored restores the whole to health.

Finish the working of your arcane rite,

Stay with me just this lifetime, or until

No one can maim me, even I myself.