Under the Stars

Under the Stars


First time, under the stars,

the same that grace this evening cloak

and witness paid

to an ancient shame.


Unholy well,

the pail draws blind

from a sump as grimpen

as the sea was black


on a moonless night

lain under the stars

limbs slacken and white

and cold as the hearth,


the ashes now worn;

guilt like a stranger

at the gate who knows

more than she lets on.




March 2015