The Paper Nautilus O ligaments
Of Nature, parched inside
Dories
Of sea foam and
Wild squids—
The moon
And the tide of this day
Repeatedly recognizes.

She is the combining element,
Lingering and slow,
Filming the bright arcs
Of allusions—
Only for the creatures living,
To show them a way beyond.

Under water, under thought,
From the dainty arms of light she lives,
Fading into fair currents, blindsiding
Conventional forms of beauty.

• Marianne Moore