In down of gosling gray, she comes,
Sweeping before her, pendulous clouds,
Enveloping, caressing, smothering;
She is the warm west wind.
Far to the west was she born,
Across the sea and beyond;
Even where unexplored mystery dwells.
A perfect temptress, with radiant smile.
Mariah; concubine to the souls of men
Who labor outdoors; in the fields,
And upon the seas; rugged men and strong.
They call the wind Mariah, and she in turn
Calls back to them in nuance, whispered,
Shouted, screamed, as strands of deepest
Auburn hair assail nostrils, face and hands.
Quickly, fading in intensity, she slips away;
To that her hidden lair from whence she came;
Sleep, Mariah; Rest in peace this night.