Missing

Where are you now

my pretty bird

the dawn you must betray

as she comes sneaking round my sash

to nudge and taunt my lay ?

 

The kettle whistles from the stove,

impatient at the station,

to hiss,

to rob

from scalded leaf

a horde of gold hydration.

 

The cook is on his mid-day stool,

two fish wait at his altar,

he fashions dresses for their flesh:

John Dory (and his daughter!)

 

Where are you now

my pretty bird

who must at evening call

the spirits out

to guard this night

from pain, from death, and all?

 

(The cat had dined alone last night,

-to him it did not matter-

two tasty eyes, twin spindly legs,

alas, they'll get no fatter!)

 

(copyright/Finbar Wright/Aug. MMiv)

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