47
Out of the mournful festering of lying earth
the noisy nonsense all my muttering
one
lone
star
came
forth, one
island
rose,
and
blooming,
sang
to me:I am that cardinal goldfinch--apple of your eye
48
I am that cardinal goldfinch--apple of your eye
the shadowy ALMA of your soul I am
that blackened penny--widow's mite
that brought down satraps & their soldieryI the hand that lifts your wooden sword
& renders peace unto divided night
I the mind that ponders sorrow--word
gave Dante voice & flowered MandelstamSo she whispered--so I wrote it down.
& as her features faded into sky
she looked on me & said-- I am
the rood your bloodline bears--your palm's lifeline,
I am the Lion left out of your play
high up in the cupola afloat again
Henry Gould | Island Road 49
Contents | Mudlark No. 6