World Book
Is there a book which you would choose to be
The World when this one is destroyed, say, slim
Selections of this earth’s best poetry
On silk imprinted and with gilded trim?
Or would you choose an ivory book of runes
Encrypting lost religions that were pure
And fragile, hidden in embracing dunes
When, whispering, they proffer sacred cure?
Perhaps a symphony would be the best
Replacement, or a song of words and notes,
Broad, flung in beauty spread from east to west
To float a fleet of yellow flaming boats?
I’d choose a forest, cool, high, fragrant trees
With barks carved full of mildest histories.