BLOOD BROTHERS

The blunt snouts of a dozen worms or so

Were busy at the thing that had worn clothes,

As conscientious as a lot of clowns

And quite as self-absorbed.

Beside the grave

A figure stood in armor, stood and blazed

With the pale dazzle of an April moon,

Rippling a steely silver from his wings

That trembled in their fierce desire for air;

Armed like an angel, blazoned like a king,

And proud as charging seas first seen at dawn.

The worms raised up their heads and spoke to him.

He answered like a father to his children,

Praising them all for honest, quiet work,

And pointing out new pastures.

And they bowed;

Again became a stir among corruption.

He looked upon the seethe with steady eyes

Of awful friendship.

So I left them there,

The three immortal parts of John J. Jones.