what winter sings.

let the last languid chord roll

while we wait for the dysfunction

that is the silent point of this function

and who, and who

wears green to a funeral

but there you are

looking like spring and summer

met in a twilight somewhere

and decided to take the night off.

The longstemmed glass clings

to your hand a single rose

on it's transparent briar

The sting sits at the corner of your mouth

and it pierces us all when you smile.

So sign here, sign

here you go my longstemmed love

with your slender legs

on those slender heels

and from what bitter ground does

such a bloom weave it's way to freedom

and at last you are free.

Let us throw the rancid rice

and slip the flat champagne

Singe our fingers on the flickering fireworks

sparklers against the sullen sun

and did freedom look this strange

when you took up your golden chain?

did you see this when you stood

all slim and afraid and on fire

and did they ask you if you knew

then

they did they did

and you whispered I do.

So bloom green-willed woman

with all your wit and whimsy

sign the dotted line and be done

Remember that this too is what you have done.

Oh my slender rose, my only rose

look how the red wine spills

The longstemmed glass is shattered

and it is the least of your ills.