naked – Robin’s Nest

Grey Hairs

by Marina Tsvetaeva These are ashes of treasures:Of hurt and loss.These are ashes in face of whichGranite is dross.Dove, naked and brilliant,It has no mate.Solomon’s ashesOver vanity that’s great.Time’s menacing chalkmark,Not to be overthrownMeans God knocks at the door- Once the house has burned down!Not checked yet by refuse,Days’ and dreams’ conquerorLike a thunderbolt –Continue reading “Grey Hairs”

The Knife

by Keith Douglas 1920-1944 Can I explain this to you? Your eyesare entrances the mouths of cavesI issue from wonderful interiorsupon a blessed sea and a fine day,from inside these caves I look and dream.Your hair as explicable as a waterfallin some black liquid cooled by legendfell across my thought in a momentbecame a garmentContinue reading “The Knife”

Unto us . . .

by Spike Milligan Somewhere at some time They committed themselves to me And so, I was! Small, but I WAS! Tiny, in shape Lusting to live I hung in my pulsing cave. Soon they knew of me My mother – my father. I had no say in my being I lived on trust And loveContinue reading “Unto us . . .”

To His Mistress Going To Bed

by John Donne Come, Madam, come, all rest my powers defy, Until in labour, I in labour lie. The foe oft-times having the foe in sight Is tir’d with standing though he never fight. Off with that girdle, like heaven’s Zone glistering, But a far fairer world encompassing. Unpin that spangled breastplate which you wear,Continue reading “To His Mistress Going To Bed”