April 19, 2009: 23rd Street Runs Into Heaven, Kenneth Patchen
23rd Street Runs Into Heaven
Kenneth Patchen
You stand near the window as lights wink
On along the street. Somewhere a trolley, taking
Shop girls and clerks home, clatters through
This before-supper Sabbath. An alley cat cries
To find the garbage cans sealed; newsboys
Begin their murder into pennies round.
We are shut in, secure for a little, safe until
Tomorrow. You slip your dress off, roll down
Your stockings, careful against runs. Naked now,
with soft light on soft flesh, you pause
For a moment; turn and face me-
Smile in a way that only women know
Who have lain long with their lover
And are made more virginal.
Our supper is plain but we are very wonderful.
A year ago today: HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITY NO. 26, J.R. Quackenbush
Two years ago: from Briggflatts, Basil Bunting
Three years ago: The Chores, Frannie Lindsay
Four years ago: Direct Address, Joan Larkin
