more 'Acquiescence'

'Acquiescence'

Bring me vellum and charcoal bold
  Then lay awhile in tepid light
Humming and winking
  Fresh and naked as a newborn foal

There used to be music
  Fall and winter spring and summer
Comes now the doors rusty report
  With cheeky landlords process server

Bring me parchment and indigo ink
  Then clear the table, strewn in waste
No checks will there be drawn
 On this counter of buckets singing with rain

There used to be words
  Cherished and clever
Before this rasping hollow 
  Conch shell echo of air waves absurd

Bring me wine and honey pears
  But stay a while
Making love on slightly clean sheets
 Knowing the master has left in despair

Hold long the dog-eared page
  The remnant pencil with bitten point
Passages of heroism that no longer cleanse
  You and I in this failing light

Bring me the linen and fine silk thread
  Await to step in the crimson gown
Tunes on the radio acclaim your face 
  Hand in hand with the dystopian dead