vienna

earth, stream and tree encircled by sea
waves sweep the sand from my island.
my sunsets fade.
field and glade wait only for rain
grain after grain love erodes my
high weathered walls,
which fend off the tide
cradle the wind
to my island.

graunt granite climbs
where gulls wheel and glide
mournfully glide over my island.
my dawn bride's veil, damp and pale,
dissolves the sun.
love's web is spun -
- cats powl, mice run
wreathe snatch-hand briars
where owls know my eyes
violet skies
touch my island,
touch me.

beneath the wind turned wave
infinite peace
islands joins hands
'neathe heaven's sea.

dark harbour guays
like fingers of stone
hungrly reach from my island.
clutch sailor's words -
- pearls and gourds
are strewn on my shore.
equal in love, bound in circles.
earth, stream and tree
return to the sea
waves sweep sand from my island,
from me...


[peter sinfield - 1971]