Fortitude
aching the back
eventually
is prodded
by serene plenty.

Once you were
a girl about town
with piles of jewels,
the romance
of an uncomfortable
voyage,
and the future
as beloved
Queen.

Then all you were
was the sun
not speaking
plainly enough,
unsure
of well being
and bringing
a circle
to certainty.

a warm still day
crossed by my longing
because of other dear wishes
what leaps
is seen through a screen
here it is
what is mine
a hand that grasps
at the trumpet blast
ready to give
in full measure
to relish it!
I spin and spin
to a possible place

deeply felt negotiations
the force that erupts from heaven
long we live long we
work
awakening naked
in the yard
now it is ours
now it is real
the rich man waves his wand
I am a transparent heat
in the home of the patriarch
to think too fast
to bring weapons to the party
and finally
the lady cries her eyes out

three pretty hills
and peacocks exchange a meaningful glance
the perfect lady
is at home in temple
and brothel
destiny satisfied
privacy blooms
what is mine
rubs my body
the fair
the furious
the scales that weigh pearls
and the full feathered breasts
of the birds

The Strange Cement

How fluid, even gaseous is the idea-what seems a glittering vapor
is in fact, the strange cement
composed of dull thuds and petty shames
Stark raving horror,
silenced,
congeals into
the ties that bind

I see the reeling unknown
while frozen still
rooted in the sun
I tip my hat
dazzle life dazzle drama
I look to send the good word
though I've been out thought
and shocked
by the beauty who has seen too much
the toppling of the wicked tower of London
and the Calais
engraved on my heart

In the starlit math
allowing for sleepers
describing poise in
natural collapses
deep solitude redeems
feet bathed in the sun
suggestive glances applauded
emotion in the distant night
flame hat letter
red touched apart
in practical surroundings
oh fancy man question master
ladies body ready