A stern and steady clock
Marks time for all my days.
Fine light dispels my haze
And brings my five wits back:
Oh, here's a plucky flower
From my Sustaining Power!

Let's see what we can't do!
My brain's a jumble, fierce.
Dragging with heavy years,
I don't know how to go:
I hear my proud queen's song;
Now, nothing can go wrong.

I bring her a bright rose
From gardens of glad grace:
She sees my goofy face
And laughs, down to her toes.
Listen, my liege, as I
Warble my secret joy.

Who's kindlier than you,
My wayward, willowy one?
(Jonson and old John Donne,
They knew a thing or two.)
I sing with bubble and glee
Because you cherish me.

I wield grey-bearded rhyme:
Can Beauty live apart
From my love-clever heart?
I flip the bird at Time!
I’m older and less wise
Than Roethke ever was.