Rewards of the Fountain

Let the world offer what it will,

Its bargains I refuse.

Those it rewards are greedy still.

I serve a stricter Muse.

She bears no treasure but the sands,

No bounty but the sea’s.

The fountain falls on empty hands.

She only gives to these.

The living water sings through her

Whose eyes are fixed on stone.

My strength is from the sepulchre

Where time is overthrown.

If once I labour to possess

A gift that is not hers,

The more I gain in time, the less

I triumph in the verse.

~Vernon Watkins