In memory of S. B. V., 1834-1909 br br ... so what the lame four-poster gathered here br Between the lips of stale and seasoned sheets br Startles a memory sunlit upon the wall br (Motors and urchins contest the city streets) br br While towards the bed the rigid shadows lean br Stung to the patience of all emptiness br And the bed empty where she kept, br Jerky gnats lunge at the haggard screen. br br And now upstairs the lint that crusts the sills br Erodes in a windy shift along the floor. br Shall now her touselled eyes rinse out the haze br Of winter sprawled like a waif outside the door? br br Feet answer: alternate and withdrawn br To the hard ease of lacquered pine that clamps br The shuffled fists into the breast and neck. br br Time begins to elucidate her bones br br Then you, so crazy and inviolate, br Will finger the console with a fearful touch, br Go past the horsehair sofa, the gilded frames br Whose faces are tired names br For the lifeblood that labors you so much.