This is the Way the World...

                                    I.

This is the way the world begins;
a black prune hanging.  

In the wind the black tree rattles,
a banner flapping 
or a blackbird winging.

Out of the black comes one two three.
Out of the three comes six.
Out of the six comes colored stripes,
waving in the wind.

There is no world, no black prune hanging.
But banners waving colored stripes
and blackbirds blossom in the night.

This is the way the world begins,
a black prune hanging.

                        II.

This is the way the world exists,
a blackbird sitting.

On the edge of one hill three leafless trees,
three black prunes hanging.

On ebony wings three colored stripes
and sunrise surging.

Clear weather prophesies three hills.
Night contemplates one leafless tree.

And sunset crosses two times two streets
like a blackbird crosses one time all streets.

And this is the way the world exists,
a blackbird sitting.

III.

This is the way the world ends:
a leafless tree
and a blackbird winging.

Or a black prune hanging and a banner flapping;
in the wind a blackbird sitting.

Yes, this is the way the world ends:
something blowing in the wind.