Wuthering

for a while
I was Cathy
and that knocking
was your return

because pain has no gender

its seeking ways of counterpoint
slim branches on the window
wispy enough getting through
the social veneer of a card house teeter

your breath held within mine

from the firebox
the slow drumming
still so young all wings

nothing gained by asking
it fell to this place
took the day when offered

lost the latch key of reason

resumes by night confused
upon release it hovers
browses Christmas lights
as any honeyeater might

although your hands
were gentle enough for rescue

before waking again
to deconstruct this dangerous allure
our palms all moony on the glass

cupped enough to settle there

 

First published Nine Muses Poetry
‘Unstill Mosaics’ p 94
Shortlisted Saolta Arts Annual Poetry Competition, Galway 2020

Chagall, Stravinsky Firebird Marquette 1945. (Ballet).