shoots into the harbour
flames that wrestle and dance
through each undulation
of the travelling substance,
till a peak comes between
and the fire-threads fray
and the darkening water
ferries night through the bay.
Roman Fugue
Beyond the window
from their rooftop terrace
the backs of three
statuary busts
gazing apparently
toward a striped awning
builders have draped
before their operation
on a pilastered
and arched fat;:ade: half
a builder - cut in two
by that sheet or screen -
walks an unseen plank
intently searching
for something just out of view
ignored by the procession
above his head
of small clouds crossing the Roman blue
in contrary motion.
