Do I outlast my welcome? you?
with knocking at the door:
wild beating at the threshold
where cordial was, before.
Etiquette, at doorstep:
half seeking leave to stay,
half fleeing, light of footstep,
and must be on my way.
Entreat me not to beg you:
"More soon" ..."insist" -- polite!
"Must you?" ... "Just perch!" -- while unsaid
speeches freight the flight.
And so we needn't linger
long in any room,
the high rites of civility
interrupt, late noon.
The blaze, burnt sky, departure:
the blast, the glory be --
all miracle one afternoon,
the hour I come to tea.