The English Education


Greek Seas and African winds make a certain dust
that colours English dreams.

Marble eyes, bronze busts
lips part like petals

breathing architecture
grape liquids for lunch preludes.

Afternoon sleep conjures the dusky arbour
persuades the senses and the skin

to love in a bed of heaving
Latin sweat

Yet,
pristine visions will not penetrate

the calculating mind cannot consumate
the conscience of the Latin promise

Only conserve and bottle the memory
like making jam for afternoon tea.

The English dreamer make museums.
Palatable experiences,

catalogued neatly,
for the English education.

 

Roma, 28 6 1997