He stood for an hour in silence

And tried to recall

The last time her glance

Had shadowed him.

 

Flat back in the park

He remembers

The unfurnished blossom

And copperfumes

Of the smelting city.

 

They were happy then.

Swatting off wasps

In the brazen heat

Of that afternoon.

 

But a wasp landed quick.

Perched on his elbow

Pierced through to the bone

And she had to leave early

 

For then and forever.

Her image replaced

By the burning of the sting

And now that sting

Is all he can remember.