So they stood
So they stood
Upon ladders
With pruning hooks
Backs to the king
Who took his leave
Of gardening
This morning
I am forlorn
As he was then
No one born
After the war
Remembers when
Samuel Menashe
Tempus fugit
Fellow fugitive
Forgive yourself
And me thereby
Thus we can live
Whatever’ s left
Of time for us,
Each day a gift
We take on trust
The Niche
The niche narrows
Hones one thin
Until his bones
Disclose him
The Stars Are
The stars are
Although I do not sing
About them —
The sky and the trees
Are indifferent
To whom they please
The rose is unmoved
By my nose
And the garland in your hair
Although your eyes be lakes, dies
The Visitation
His body ahead
Of him on the bed
He faces his feet
Sees himself dead,
A corpse complete
With legs and chest
And belly between
Swelling the scene
Of the crime you left,
Taking your time,
Angel of Death
Voyage
Water opens without end
At the bow of the ship
Rising to descend
Away from it
Days become one
I am who I was
White hair does not weigh
more than the black
which it displaces —
Upon any fine day
I jump these traces