Your ambition bird will fly on for eternity.

…

TOMORROW’S PROMISES (for Anne Sexton)

What beckoned,
What called
must have been stronger than
blood,
overriding
Stale argument.
I imagine
a black rose

Pungent
Irresistible,
A circus barker
Promising
marriage
and
Peace,
A stepping down.

…

LADY ANNE LEADS  (for Anne Sexton)

Anne Gray Harvey
You touch me plenty,
I’m stalking your ghost.
You,
of the Greta Garbo mold
Sold me on the dark plunge.
You make it look so easy.

I love your words,
though
“Love” is too mild:
They eat at the core of my
Obsessions.

Even if we are family
I would steal your gift
In a heartbeat if I could.
Your casual utterances
And kitchen talk
Make me weep,
Your bullets that go down
in Technicolor.

Why did you get with A.?
Was it for the Sexton?
One day,
lost in a cigarette haze
you couldn’t help yourself.
You queer witch,
You know you always
Needed it.

We were born apart.
Time made us strangers,
You and I.
You’re gone somewhere else now,
The much desired place
While I’m still here
Dying to find out
What you already know.
Is it fun and games?
Is it still hell?
Anne,
I do hope you’re well.

…