Tall with slender stem you stood,
Flaring goblet of crystal glass.
But you are gone now – gone – alas
From those who used and knew your good.

Pure shape formed from heathen fire,
Many who drank from thee are gone.
Now you, in turn, your turn, move on,
God decrees all things expire.

Sad, deep memories recall
The liquid fire in thy hand
That brought to me to understand 
The meaning of it all.

And then you fell, and there you shattered.
A tragedy – to me you mattered.

1996