In Clover
dimness
half-light of sentience
and the quiet
performing miracles
on the inner ear
a man steps out of gloom
bows
steps back in again
another raises a glass -
wine like whisky
stains his lips
clouds roll and tumble
towards the moulded distance,
fumble peaks
those far, bleak ranges
on their way by
the human eye
and infinity, barely
connect, the distance is
too great
our perspective is
inadequate
our body rumours,
antennae of hairs,
barely work outwith
the circumference of armreach -
our intelligence must do the rest
must work towards correction
the higher our mind-flights
the less we feel the earth
between our toes -
we are in danger of losing much:
of losing all conspiracy
with the life our eyes see
the wind our ears hear
the elemental rush of blood
in fingertips
but most of all, the precious pressure
of god's lips
on our forehead
clover
is brave enough
to bear the weight of the bee
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