Classic Poem

Is this my wife and I, who talk so cleverly?
This is our favourite walk: the river road in the upper city along the Hudson:
This our favourite seat: looking under bare winter trees on the railroad tracks, the blue sun-running river, the cliffs beyond …

We are almost happy: it is so clean and clear and courageous to be nakedly candid …
For several years we have struggled in the hot passes of desperation,
Drugged ourselves with passion and play, with comforts and sicknesses and studies,
With friends and cleverness and cures;
But I have seen her stare pale from the window at one in the morning contemplating a fatal leap,
And she has seen me lie sick and near death, and resigned to death …
We have known that two human souls with most excellent intentions
May commit every crime and indignity and shame on one another …
We have seen our children tremble like untuned strings to every breath of our distorted spirits …
And yet we have gone on affirming love, duty, the home, marriage …
Now, as clear and fresh as the winter wind, is our witty candour …
I need not worry for her: she will be happier alone:
Nor she for me: I shall go down to Washington Square and be all artist …
We are free, our hearts sing, we are free …

A few days later, I say good-bye to the children and her …
Shall we kiss? Why not? … I go …
I sleep alone that night in a narrow hall bedroom
Feeling like one who is amputated and keeps putting out a hand for the missing limb …