The thaw ensues. I'll wash myself anew
And you return ruddy-faced and true
Wide eyes upturned, yawning flues and bursting dams
What's new? Who's seen? Come wash your windows clean
Til ten. Til one. Til all our faces run
Dear friend, where from? Just us wizened runts and you
Tucked in a corner, squatting round a pitless fire
The waters are bulging in Rome
The placid ducks all dive and quiver
The augurs all caught in repose
Tossing crumbs into the river
So give yourself. Put it on the shelf
The flesh, the crust. Cast of what you must
That no low down stream, slithering through the reeds
Could catch you in your pleasures: a hen to clever for a coop
Skirting the edge of the aisle
Shoulders bowed and brown eyes lowered
Lest the arch of the weathering bower
So remind of what you owe her
What love?
What love?
What love?
What love?