Partial yet whole as a stone,
It nags, creeping aboard the flesh
Like a worrying stain.
The
world curls up like a shadow,
The
day dumps all it might bring,And eyes stroll off at a tangent
With a pin in the brain.
But
worst, and best, are the hours
Awake
and aware of your spine,When a perfect phrase disturbs you
Like a cold night-rain.
====================
© circa 1973-76