Adrienne Rich - The Fact of a Doorframe lyrics

Means there is something to hold
Onto with both hands
While slowly thrusting my forehead
Against the wood and taking it away
One of the oldest motions of suffering
As Makeba sings a courage-song for warriors
Music is suffering made powerful

I think of the story
Of the goose-girl who passed
Through the high gate
Where the head of her favorite mare
Was nailed to the arch and in a human voice
If she could see thee now
Thy mother's heart would break said the head
Of Falada

Now, again, poetry, violent, arcane, common
Hewn of the commonest living substance
Into archway, portal, frame
I grasp for you, your bloodstained splinters
Your ancient and stubborn poise
As the earth trembles
Burning out from the grain