SILK FLOWERS (for Marianne)

whispers of conscience

caught faintly the permitted

heaps of miser Be

prodigal echo

expels from home! fell: ‘Twill not

soften the heart

seen in roam the wretch

allotted lightning Riddle

breath, instantly hear

But wo prop house ear

when soften seen asunder

shade confines of earth

monarchs are riven

heir. ‘Twas in heaven pronounced

acutely wish when

muttered hour Ah Nor

hoarded passion whirlwind be

sphere without hope dies

in shade let it rest

like a delicate flower

though deaf be the ear