trout [ 6 ]
Richard Smith: [1 , 2 ]
  Clearing Out
(in memory of Bessie, 1916–96)

1
Her antique clocks stare 
into space; hands, springs 
and cogs 
locked in time.

In the compost, roses from her last
birthday; brittle and jaundice-brown, 
their petals embrace 
an imaginary heart.

No cipher to borer-grub hieroglyphics
excavated while sanding, tunneled into matai 
like catacombs 
under the rotting carpet.

I stand at the window, bubbles are locked 
in the warped glass. Beyond black trees 
a shadow of pigeons spirals up 
smoke slow, unraveling to settle like ash. 
 

  © 1999 


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