If I Knew a Charm to Spell Doom

If I knew a charm to spell doom,
And spread myself like lightning
Across tatters, I would harp it frugally;
And I would lie in the deep quick
Where close things beat,
And keep myself hidden
By rushes. But the cities are glazing,
And the long blades glisten and dry
In exorable heat; ice falls
From the dripping cows, and black
Is more than a slip can perfume. Things
Are a rushing center, foundering
Like a gelder rose. If axes knew the north,
Then bitter fruit, and rabid red:
Colors are eating me, life
Is on the wing -- I've lost the way,
And not a word to sing.