When forests walked and fishes flew

And figs grew upon thorn,

Some moment when the moon was blood,

Then, surely, I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening bray

And ears like errant wings—

The devil's walking parody

Of all four-footed things:

The battered outlaw of the earth

Of ancient crooked will;

Scourge, beat, deride me—I am dumb—

I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour—

One far fierce hour and sweet:

There was a shout around my head

And palms about my feet.