I've dropped my Brain — My Soul is numb —

I've dropped my Brain — My Soul is numb —
The Veins that used to run
Stop palsied — 'tis Paralysis
Done perfecter in stone —

Vitality is Carved and cool —
My nerve in marble lies —
A Breathing Woman
Yesterday — endowed with Paradise.

Not dumb — I had a sort that moved —
A Sense that smote and stirred —
Instincts for Dance — a caper part —
An Aptitude for Bird —

Who wrought Carrara in me
And chiselled all my tune
Were it a witchcraft — were it Death —
I've still a chance to strain

To Being, somewhere — Motion — Breath —
Though Centuries beyond,
And every limit a Decade —
I'll shiver, satisfied.