(For Darlene)

NUTMEG HAZEL EYES

SERVING STRANGERS

BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

WITH OVERWORKED HANDS

NAILBITTEN FINGERS

FADED PINK SWEATER

FISHERWOMAN,

OCEAN OF SEDUCING STORMS,

SURVIVOR FROM SOME GODDESS BAR

SMOKING CIGARETTES DOWN TO THE BUTT,

HARD LUCH LEDA ABOARD SOME RUNAWAY SWAN

COASTING BY LIGHTHOUSES

ALONG THE PASSAIC RIVER

FISHERWOMAN,

TENDER TO THE MAN WITH VISIONS

WHO FERRIES HER HEART

IN MACY SHOPPING BAGS,

WHO RIDES WITH HER ACROSS FIELDS OF REDFLOWERS

STEALING SNOWY-ICED DAISEYS FROM GATED FLORIST ALLEYWAYS FOR CHRISTMAS,

WHO BEGS FOR RESCUE AND REVIVAL

AND MUST RETURN, AGAIN AND AGAIN

FROM THOSE OTHER WARS OUTSIDE

NOW SO DISTANT FROM HER HEART

THIS AGE

SUN AND MOON IN CANCER

SLIVER DOWN HAND IN HAND,

TOGETHER SHAKING DOWN

THIS FISHERWOMAN,

HER ONETIME TRANSCENDANT DREAM

NOW HOME AGAIN

ONE WITH THE MERMAID SEA

PATERSON, 12/27/80