2025 NaPM 26 April

[RiverNotch]

What I miss most, my Phoebe, is your light.
The Master here unfailingly insists
what issues from the lasting punishment
of those that least offend him is enough

and, sure, reflected from the asphodels,
it's bright enough, but like an afternoon
governed by the crustacean or the cat
it's much too hot, not to mention the noise,

the constant sputtering of molten rock.
Give me the silence of the night, permitting
hunters like us to focus as we stalk,
lovers like us to savor every word---

ah, but you're soon to crash again and speak
of what excuse your brother made this week....

What I miss most, my Phoebe, is your light.
The Master here unfailingly insists
what issues from the lasting punishment
of those that least offend him is enough

and, sure, reflected from the asphodels,
it's bright enough, but like an afternoon
governed by the crustacean or the cat
it's much too hot, not to mention the noise,

the constant sputtering of molten rock.
Give me the silence of the night, permitting
hunters like us to focus as we stalk,
lovers like us to savor every word---

still, I'll soon hear what comical excuse
your tetchy brother proffered you this week.