The Pall of Columbus, the Cathedral at Seville by CLAUDIA MENZA

In stride the robes of his pall bearers fly stiffly back. Muscles cloaked in folds of sleeve fight nearly unbearable weight. For although these men are made of bronze so is the pall which they carry. Chins cast with the light of gods upon them, they march as one into space, the right feet of the first two carriers poised in mid-air as they step off the platform. Agonies of angels summoned to the site offer holy water, their fingers all but crushed by the most delicate scallop shells. Columbus’ ashes rest easy. Let others bear the happenstance of history. From “Cage of Wild Cries” (Mosaic Press, distributed by Kampmann National Book Network, 4720-A Boston Way, Lanham, Md. 20706: $19.95, cloth; $9.95, paper). 1990 Claudia Menza.