this fabulous shadow only the sea keeps

The syphilitic selling violets calmly
     and daisies
By the subway news-stand knows
                      how hyacinths

This April morning offers
    hurriedly
In bunches sorted freshly―
                   and bestows
On every purchaser
                           (of heaven perhaps)

His eyes―
              like crutches hurtled against glass
Fall mute and sudden (dealing change
     for lilies)
Beyond the roses that no flesh can pass.        Harold Hart Crane 1929