50

Christmas is coming     to the ancient town
now is that ruby Goldfinch lamp unsealed
that Cardinals proclaim (& also Wren)
lights every soul     & overcomes the world.

Every soul is Kosmos then--a little world
that with a breath of nature     comes into its own:
so these pinetree boughs declare.     Be faithful then
& leave the wind to work: be patient--bold.

Here     in the poor & wayfaring East End
a reconstructed Globe is almost done--
rotund profundity that proves     no man's an
island.

& here I am     in England's green & pleasant
land
to square that circle--a prophetic one
that lights both my beginning     & my end.

                         London
                         12.3.96

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Henry Gould | Don't Get Ready for Mardis Gras (blush)
Contents | Mudlark No.6