And the waltzes turn, return,
Float and fall ,
Like the cigarettes
Of our marionettes
Inconsequent, intolerable
II
Embarquement pour Cythere
Ladies, the moon is on its way!
Is everybody here?
And the sandwiches and ginger beer?
If so, let us embark -
The night is anything but dark,
Almost as clear as day.
It's utterly illogical
Our making such a start, indeed
And thinking that we must return.
Oh no! why should we not proceed
(As long as a cigarette will burn
When you light it at the evening star)
To porcelain land, what avatar
Where blue-delft-romance is the law.
Philosophy through a paper straw!
III
On every sui try afternoon
Verandah customs have the call
White flannel ceremonial
Wi th cakes and tea
And guesses at eternal truths
Sounding the depths with a silver spoon
And dusty roses, crickets, sunlight on the sea
And all.
