Tuesday, 20 August 2013

Villanelle

I never thought to have such thoughts as these,
Such thoughts as shake the bed-clothes late at night;
But having them their trouble starts to please.

The Stranger caste our fates upon his knees
But vanished with the warm card brought to sight;
I never thought to have such thoughts as these.

He left small doubts and crafty fears to ease
A tremor in the brain-pan’s dark and fright;
But having them their trouble starts to please.

The door with gargoyles swung before the keys,
A window smiled, and you, your skin like light;
I never thought to have such thoughts as these.

Our days proceed. In shop queues someone sees
Me distant with my thoughts, their failing fight;
But having them their trouble starts to please.

For I can think you naked like a tease
Or old and docile still as warm at night;
I never thought to have such thoughts as these,
But having them their trouble starts to please.

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© circa 1973-76