Villanelle: Smallness

I am very small now, like a babe.
I walk among the particles of dust -
I sparkled once, but now I start to fade.

Here in all the tall grass I was made.
I can see every fleck of rust:
I am very small now, like a babe.

I wander through the sun and through the shade;
I do not want to, but it seems I must.
I sparkled once, but now I start to fade.

Grass is like a jungle, tiny arcade -
The lions roar, the tigers too – blood lust.
I am very small now, like a babe.

In the green my growth is here delayed.
The wind starts; first a breath and then a gust.
I sparkled once, but now I start to fade.

Here into my small grave I am laid.
I cry, for this damnation is unjust.
I am very small now, like a babe:
I sparkled once, but now I start to fade.

(1989)