Poems - 15. HE LAMENTS FOR HIS BELOVED

Pale Beloved, where are you?
Lover of my shadow, lover
of all shadows of my lovers?
I did not imagine you there,
but now that I am there,
I am building you piece by piece,
like the armor of Christ, back
from a mediaeval memory.
Pale One, where have you gone?
You've cut me to the quick;
you are the only one who could
pull me from the blurred crevice.
Did you know I eased my mouth
with wine and cigarettes for you?
Come back to me, lover.
I will love you whatever your form.
I will remember whatever shape
you chose to escape me with.
There is a vertex in my mind,
and you have the honor of effigy:
Oh Pale One, where are you?
Lover of my shadow, lover
that has left me shadowless.
I don't belong on this earth anymore.
Draw chalk about my feet,
and do not be surprised if I lift,
kite steerer resigned to the breeze.
A medicine has taken me north;
plangency mine is on the moon.
Pale, as massive as the moth
take the light passageway for me,
and as the shadow I love, dream
for which my feet have been cut,
I know the passageway before me.