This poem was written in response to a poetry prompt to “[t]ake a single collection of poems and make a list of the last two words from each poem. Then write your own poem using only these words.” This poem is written using only the last two words of each piece from William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience.

Song of Cessation

Growl & moan destroy my breast
Weeping in my mother’s hearse
Ecchoed Human misery
Harm befall thee too, my love

Hungry Bosom, head in fear
Home I flew nigh fold and tree
Led in hoary hills to harm:
Sleeping lions’ fearful Gorge

Bound in bright desires, I die
Heaven’s fearful door beguiles
Beauty, peace, and symmetry
Dwelling in my darkening mind