Classic Poem

1. Dance

Moon dance,
you were not to blame.

Nor you,
lovely white moth.

But I saw you together.

2. Variation

Till you came
I was I.

3. Caress

It was as though one of those trees,
the tallest and most compassionate,
had bent over me for a moment.

4. Two

The child in you
loves me.
I dream
a world of us
which cannot be
till you
love me.

5. Contra Mundum

There's one sanctuary
that is never shut
to you.
And sanctuary
from me
as well.
Come.

6. Self-Indulgence

Most of my kindness to you
is kindness to me.
Do you mind?

7. Epigram

Isn't it
that we like each other
quite a little more
than we dislike each other
that we love each other?

8. White Curtains

On occasions
when my heart
is as cool
as the gentle white
curtains of my room,
or the yellow
of the sun along
the green of the walls,
it lives,
lives in you,
lives in all
that isn't I.

9. Rondo

Even you
are variations,
variations
never the same:
Hair and eyes and
mouth and moods and
curves and kisses —
Girl, woman,
mother, child,
each and all so
never the same.
So many to keep!
So many to come!