Paradise might have appeared here,
surprising us, a tackle of sublime coordinates
figuring over the trees; surprising us, even
though the look of the place seems not
altogether unexpectant of such an advent,
seems not altogether willing to settle
for something less: the fine light
prepared in the taut statuary of the oaks;
venerable churches of muted brick;
Greek porches presiding at the ends
of approaches; delicate fanlights over doorways
delicate and symmetrical as air, if air
prepared, preened, itself for Paradise
to appear, surprisingly, but not very, in the place
-all it needs to be Paradise is populace.
(What has appeared, surprisingly, but not very
–stepping out the door, and down the steps,
groping for each next lower step
with a left foot her expansive exquisitely garmented
paunch has prevented her seeing for thirty-five
years—is a rich, fat, selfish,
spavined, ignorant, ugly old
bitch, airing her cat.)
Leave a Reply