Fancies
(inspired by the Dream of the Rood 6th-9th Century)
- Often have I, severe and cold,
Spurned the proud cross of gems and gold,
Silver and rubies vain for flesh and blood,
Worshipping spiteful nails and rough-hewn wood. - Yet this is to reduce that Cross to me
As if I hung there rapt in cruelty;
Not saviour that such precious tribute owns,
Amethyst for miswrought eyes and marble bones. - And what shall be a better place for wealth
Than that dear symbol of the loss of self?
No better place to gather earth's display
Than in such wise to glisten as we pray.