William Carlos Williams


Aux Imagistes

I think I have never been so exalted
As I am not by you,
O frost bitten blossoms,
That are unfolding your wings
From out the envious black branches.

Bloom quickly and make much of the sunshine
The twigs conspire against you!
Hear them!
They hold you from behind!

You shall not take wing
Except wing by wing, brokenly,
And yet-
Even they
Shall not endure for ever.