Having come to this place I set out once again On the dark and marvelous way From where I began: Belief in the love of the world, Woman, spirit, and man.

Having failed in all things I enter a new age Seeing the old ways as toys, The houses of a stage Painted and long forgot; And I find love and rage.

Rage for the world as it is But for what it may be More love now than last year. And always less self-pity Since I know in a clearer light The strength of mystery.

And at this place in the ways I wait for song, My poem-hand still, on the paper, All night long. Poems in the throat and hand, asleep, And my storm beating strong!

He said he would be back and we'd drink wine together He said that everything would be better than before He said we were on the edge of a new relation He said he would never again cringe before his father He said that he was going to invent full-time He said he loved me that going into me He said was going into the world and the sky He said all the buckles were very firm He said the wax was the best wax He said Wait for me here on the beach He said Just don't cry

I remember the gulls and the waves I remember the islands going dark on the sea I remember the girls laughing I remember they said he only wanted to get away from me I remember mother saying: Inventors are like poets, a trashy lot I remember she told me those who try out inventions are worse I remember she added: Women who love such are the worst of all I have been waiting all day, or perhaps longer. I would have liked to try those wings myself. It would have been better than this.

Is it for now or for always, The world hangs on a stalk? Is it a trick or a trysting-place, The woods we have found to walk?

Is it a mirage or miracle, Your lips that lift at mine: And the suns like a juggler's juggling-balls, Are they a sham or a sign?

Shine out, my sudden angel, Break fear with breast and brow, I take you now and for always, For always is always now.