Pantoum of Rapunzel's Mother

I bind the hair with old rheumatic hands

They shudder as they feel the subtle sheen

The youth that in each fibre, in the bands

Of hair that falls so long and falls so clean.

They shudder as they feel the subtle sheen

The ancient flesh worn soft as silk-worm's skin

Of hair that falls so long and falls so clean.

I dream each night that I - cocooned within

The ancient flesh worn soft as silk-worm's skin

Will bloom and sprout again as wheaten hair

I dream each night that I - cocooned within

Will grow anew, and naked supple bare.

Will bloom and sprout again as wheaten hair

As wheat each year is born as Corn King weaves

Will grow anew, and naked supple bare.

As evergreen as holly's glossy leaves

As wheat each year is born as Corn King weaves

As berry-blooded as the maiden's flow

As evergreen as holly's glossy leaves

I will be young again, and young love know

As berry-blooded as the maiden's flow

For all such youth is wasted on few days

I will be young again, and young love know

And ancient wisdom mask in innocent ways

For all such youth is wasted on few days

Of mewling babies, bright eyed - damned to age

And ancient wisdom mask in innocent ways

So all will love me and see not the rage

Of mewling babies, bright eyed - damned to age

I will not suffer death nor pain nor grey

So all will love me and see not the rage

That spits my venom at the world's decay

I will not suffer death nor pain nor grey

The youth that in each fibre, in the bands

That spits my venom at the world's decay

I bind the hair with old rheumatic hands.