Love in Coal Alley
LOVE in Coal Alley wakes to fear the light —
He fumbles in the pre-dawn for his clothes,
She packs his food and hides the fear that goes
Daily where he goes, to the daily night.
He fumbles in the pre-dawn for his clothes,
She packs his food and hides the fear that goes
Daily where he goes, to the daily night.
The widowing edge of fear, the rain of soot,
Kiss at the door — their lips already tasting
The smudge of days across their bodies’ wasting —
He tramps the black snow heavily underfoot.
Kiss at the door — their lips already tasting
The smudge of days across their bodies’ wasting —
He tramps the black snow heavily underfoot.
She dreams a little of Sunday and a lawn,
But most of what she sees outdoors is fear,
Shaped like stretcher bearers and coming near.
But most of what she sees outdoors is fear,
Shaped like stretcher bearers and coming near.
He stops his wish, and, from the edge of dawn,
Waves a last time hastily and turns
Back into night until the night returns.
Waves a last time hastily and turns
Back into night until the night returns.
JOHN CIARDI