Metamorphoses

METAMORPHOSES

Stars and stones,
insects and animals,
everything undergoes change.

After long winter,
the dreaming bear stirs,
and the world is green.

The rotted stump,
uncovered from the snows,
thrums with the industry of living.

We grow old.
We grow old together.
We persevere.

What else really matters?

Location:Metamorphoses

Danse Carlos

You still, Carlos,

Gone to dreams,

Command me

To my toes

In upstairs rooms.

But try as I might

I find nothing much

Left for your admiring.

I am all over limbs

And breasts

That fall beneath the weight

Of long past need.

Yet when I lift my dress

And croon your joyous song,

Can you hear with me

Echoes of your singing?

Can you see me dance

When everyone is sleeping?

Who is to there to say

You would not love me still?

I lift my arms and twirl

Beyond the silken mists,

I dance and sing your song

In the light of your strong will.

With loving gratitude to my friend Bob, who gifted me with William Carlos Williams all over again.