89 

with an empty cradle hanging from life’s tree 
and a breast grown fat over hollow bones 

when from the cooler frog of flesh 
into the cat-slink quiff of the crutch 
we tread the infinite between soul and body 

while the taut drum rolls 
and the split skin weeps 
the trap is sprung 

again and again and again 
this everlasting addiction to reassurance!

                              (1969-70)