Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BREATH UPON A GLASS, by MARY HOPE CABANISS
First Line: Men and women though they pass
Last Line: Must be kept for beauty's sake.

Men and women though they pass
Like a breath upon a glass

Make a rhythm as they go
Out of laughter and of woe

Beauty that they cannot see
Born of death and poverty

Hid in grime or flashing bright
Told in shadow and in light

And the beauty that they make
Must be kept for beauty's sake.