The jewel casket of a velvet death
Contains you now, your body and your breath.

Can death be terrible if you are dead?
Dark—with the banner of your buoyant head?

Cold—with the fevered sockets in your skull?
Unlovely—when your hands are beautiful?

The apple dangling by an amber clasp
Provides a golden wardrobe for the wasp.

The jewel casket of a velvet death
Contains you now, your body and your breath.