Chance

Clark Ashton Smith

Bow down before the daemon of the world—
This monstrous god, half-idiot and half-ape,
With fumbling hands omnipotent to shape
A harlot's breast or build great altars. Hurled
From the lost sun to sunless hell, or whirled
Back to their heaven with equal jest and jape,
All other gods shall nevermore escape
His will that once begot them. Wars unfurled
With banners blown like ever-wandering fires
From realm to realm conflagrant, or the play
Of coupling mice or monsters, wake alway
To his dominion. Darkly born thereof,
The troubling atoms teem to stars and byres,
The leper's flesh, the white flesh of thy love.

Printed from: www.eldritchdark.com/writings/poetry/82
Printed on: April 18, 2024