She was married, true
But if one´s husband was always sailing ´round Cap Horn
Was it marriage?
If one liked him, was it marriage?
If one liked other people, was it marriage?
And finally
If one still wished
More than anything in the whole world
To write poetry.
Though being mother of a boy?
Was it marriage?
She had her doubts.
Listen, life!
What are you?
The only shot?
A game for free?
A random venue
For Shel and me?
I do wanna know,
I insist:
Tell me!
She was Orlando, true
Yes, but a million other things as well
A snob am I? The leopards?
My ancestors? Proud of them? Yes!
Greedy, luxurious, vicious
Am I? Don´t care a damn, if I am!
Truthful – I think so
Generous – oh, but that don´t count
Fine linen, silver dishes, wine!
Spoilt – perhaps
I love trees and sheep dogs
And the night
Listen, life!
What are you?
The only shot?
A game for free?
A random venue
For Shel and me?
I do wanna know,
I insist:
Tell me!
Damn it all!
A toy-boat, a toy-boat, a toy-boat!
It´s not laws, or articles, or contracts,
That matter! Wrong focus, Mr. Green!
It´s something useless, sudden, violent
Something that costs a life
Red, blue purple, a spurt, a splash,
Something rash, ridiculous, like my hyacinth,
Husband, I mean – I love you, Shel!
That’s what it is – a toy boat on the Serpentine
A lizard´s call!
Extasy – it´s extasy, that matters.
Listen, life!
What are you?
The only shot?
A game for free?
A random venue for
Shel and me?
I do wanna know,
I insist:
Tell me!
