“Athens”

 

There are those parts of me that live in

certain musical phrases--

pieces of me that wait in

obscure stars;

 

members of my spirit that lie among the

violets

and tears of mine that spray a

lonely strand where even

            dreamers have not wandered.

 

There are bundles of my hope

tucked away in foaming clouds, and

countless

touches weened from my aching fingertips

            scattered in the wind. There are

longings I could not contain

            saved away in mountain waterfalls

 

--’twas I who took your breath away when

you had no one else near,

and made your cheeks blush

when you were convinced

            you were alone.

 

The sun shines and draws lines between the

shadows and the light and

turns my mood around.

Lavish

glorious sunshine

            trickling down like a lemon drop,

            and eager am I to know you in springtime.

 

Certain am I that the wind will be so new it will wet

your eyes.

Give me then, your memories,

one by one and I will give them scenery and sunlight

           

now and again I will rest my chin in my hand,

and listen to you speak of such wonders,

            that scarcely my life would matter,

but for what I share with you in the shade of God’s most

            perfect tree.

the dock and other poems