First published in American Poetry Magazine, Vol. 37, No. 1, 1956. Copyright held by Delbert R. Gardner.

COCOON

By Delbert R. Gardner


When I climb from the pit,
Fumbling,
Rubbing my sleep-glazed eyes,
Kicking off the heavy dream-slime,
Red ragged mouth groping,
Mumbling,
For the big soft Word--
Life-giving label--
Will you be there?