Classic Poem

One time I thought that sunset's flaming air
Could forge in me the steel to batter through
The hardy walls of men; that they, as you,
Would quake at onslaughts from a poet's lair.
We then lived roses; I had fooled despair
And boxed him up and flogged his retinue,
Made strong by cheeks and lips! I sucked in dew,
And dragged the world, a weakling, by the hair.

This hour is roseless; ruddiness is snuffed;
Wan lilies, smutted in a dragon's breath,
Are limp; and iron lizards track the earth
To crunch men's bones, and fledgy clouds are buffed.
I suck in smoke! I smile at grimy mirth,
And laugh to think that you had parried death.