Prothalamion

For Evan and Marion

Calme was the day, and through the trembling ayre...
                                                                                  - Spenser
Dull was the day, and through the torpid air
Atoms of mercury were seen to fall,
Great in effect though in appearance small
Elements within the turgid atmosphere
In which the polluted ecosphere is wrapped
Like this present in a package. From sulfur-capped

Mountains mephitic torrents scoured the plain,
Each a cataclysmic cataract
Of sizzling, incessant acid rain,
To exactly reproduce the marriage act,
Punctilious as the monsoon that soon
Will on a tiny roof perform a tinny tune.
...