DESOLATE strange sleep and wild br Came on me while yet a child; br I, before I tasted tears, br Knew the grief of all the years. br br I, before I fronted pain, br Felt creation writhe and strain, br Sending ancient terrors through, br My small pulses, sweet and new. br br I, before I learned how time br Robs all summers at their prime, br I, few seasons gone from birth, br Felt my body change to earth.