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“O where will you go when the blinding flash
Scatters the seed of a million suns?
And what will you do in the rain of ash?

I'll draw the blinds and pull down the sash,
And hide from the sight of so many noons.

But how will it be when the blinding flash

Disturbs your body's close-knit mesh
Bringing to light your lovely bones?
What will you wear in the rain of ash?

I will go bare without my flesh,
My vertebrae will click like stones.

Ah. But where will you dance when the blinding flash

Settles the city in a holy hush?
I will dance alone among the ruins.
Ah. And what will you say to the rain of ash?

I will be charming. My subtle speech
Will weave close turns and counter-turns-

No. What will you say to the rain of ash?
Nothing, after the blinding flash

- Terminal Colloquy

Charles Martin, Villanelles
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This Quote Is From

Villanelles (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets Series) Villanelles by Annie Finch
90 ratings, average rating, 12 reviews

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