His birdcage under his elbow
 and the rump in Lent 
 a horse passes 
 the horsewoman with the ponytail .

 The donkey brays
 the sheep are bleating
 a sound of sheet metal 
 padlock the space
 I call
 at the crossroads
 scents of wet grass
 the moonrise .

 without taking the time
 skinny appendages
 join
 to the lifts of balled wool
 a quarter lower
 wings in working order .

 Inquire
 finely chopped
 dusk
 in the weary fall of the day
 bitter fever
 than a finger of honey
 raises
 tender application
 of the flute
 with happy notes
 children's laughter .


 236