THE MEASURER

Weigh and measure
All in order
Love's equation cubed
and passion can't spill over

Hands
that analyse the body
unloose it
put it together again
and
finally
throw it into the waste basket
with an arrogant gesture

from SOMBRADURAS (SHADOWINGS)

IV

The absent are no longer mentioned
We shall start by barking
I am the thistle-eater
The one who closed the fan
                        and won't open it again
The one who won't get up

XXIII

Ancient are the faces of love
but your mask is new
I recognise your age-old secret
cruelties
the exterminating angel in the way you fly

from DE AMANTES (OF LOVERS)

VIII

You are
everything fickle
wayward

useless to try to change you

It would be
easier
to keep the spring wind
in a cupboard

IX

The conscientious wife
gets up early
fills the bathtub
and
unfolds the towels
                        Blues for the shirt
                        greys for the suit
                        and the tie
symbol of distinction
                        Three drops of lavender
underlining status
and
goodbye darling

I look at you and laugh to myself

The conscientious wife
works for me