Classic Poem

There comes a time when all things fall from us
Like shrouds about a body long decayed.
We hear earth's challenge, but are undismayed,
And beauty is no longer perilous!
Meanings and names and values that we gave
Despotically to the world, sure of our power,
Perish from it in the appraising hour.
And whether we are emperor or slave,

Sinner or sainted, idiot or inspired,
It does not matter once the glamour dies
Out of our failing hearts, out of our eyes.
Nothing remains of all that was desired;
And we are dead before the body goes
Back to the night of the primordial snows.