[Yes, I studied. Oftentimes, death] 

Yes, I studied. Oftentimes, death
observed. An act will perish
in a thought belied. The muddy puddles froze,
and rime-bark shone ruddy
at first light. I was unnerved.
What I thought beautiful was what died astray.
Is this the residence of one less lovely? 

The proof you asked for, teacher,
is bloody and far off, though
I have tried to keep it here. Oftentimes,
death atones for its distance.
We are unforbidden to reach there alone. 

--Joshua McKinney