WHEN THE DEAD ARISE
Reading edition
WHEN the dead arise, (You know me, Lazarus) When the resurrected generations climb Into the orb of time, Rubbing death from their eyes, (O dark mad Lazarus) When this maggoty dumb earth Pronounces verbs erect and vertebrate, Will the sexes flow with sweet Wild honey of God’s mirth? Or will they stare Bewildered at ascending noon; Then turn, and leap with frightened hair (Lazarus! Lazarus!) In utter pits of marble sleep Unbetrayably down.