With what acuity ought I describe

[joel]

With what acuity ought I describe
my stubborn dullness or my wealth of deep
and pious unoriginality?
If stillborn I had never breathed, no less
would spirit life pervade the earth— if still
I bear some wonder’s witness not required
for marvelous to marvel stand, then (dull
as I may be) dull piety may cull
my drives for brazen newnesses desired.
Redundant I and unashamed, I swill
my soul with ancient loves assumed to bless
with fresh appliance fore finality
of missions, visions, dreams and days; and weep
for pure invention I to me ascribe.