(for Darlene Gallagher)
NUTMEG EYES
SERVING STRANGERS
BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
OVERWORKED HANDS
NAILBITTEN FINGERS
FADED PINK SWEATER
FISHERWOMAN
OCEAN OF STORMS
SURVIVOR FROM SOME GODDESS BAR
SMOKING CIGARETTES DOWN TO THE BUTT
TOUGH LUCK LEDA ABOARD SOME RUNAWAY SWAN
PADDLING BY LIGHTHOUSES
ALONG THE PASSAIC RIVER
FISHERWOMAN
TENDER TO VISION MEN
WHO FERRY HER HEART
WRAPPED IN MACY SHOPPING BAGS
WHO TROT WITH HER
ACROSS RED POPPY FIELDS
WHO BRING HER
STOLEN CHRISTMAS BOUQUETS
FROM FLORIST SNOWY ALLEYWAYS
WHO BEG FOR RESCUE AND REVIVAL
RETURNING AGAIN AND AGAIN
FROM OTHER WARS OUTSIDE
SO DISTANT FROM HER HEART
IN THIS AGE
SUN AND MOON CONJUNCT IN CANCER
SLIVERING HAND IN HAND
SHAKING DOWN THIS FISHERWOMAN
FROM HER TRANSCENDANT DREAM
BRINGING HER HOME
ONE WITH THE MERMAID SEA
PATERSON, 12/27/80