Change Said the sun to the moon, You cannot stay.

Change Says the moon to the waters, All is flowing.

Change Says the fields to the grass, Seed-time and harvest, Chaff and grain.

You must change Said the worm to the bud, Though not to a rose,

Petals fade That wings may rise Borne on the wind.

You are changing Said death to the maiden, your wan face To memory, to beauty.

Are you ready to change? Says the thought to the heart, to let her pass All your life long

For the unknown, the unborn In the alchemy Of the world's dream?

You will change Says the stars to the sun, Says the night to the stars.

Kathleen Raine