Gargoyle 8
cover photo by Stan Wayman
publication date 12/2/1977

Old Lover Poem #54

Judy Kastner Skillman

Now, in retrospect
you run your course
like a mantra.
I am sure you are still
building gold-foil pyramids
and hiding out in them
til spring.
Your left eye (for love)
is two sizes larger
than your right
as you gaze into the mandala.
On your wall are paintings
which still do not
impress me.

I am certain
that your touch would still
turn my knees and elbows
back to wine,
Old things I learned from you
float before me
always looking
like something else.

Upon waking
I will eat a huge breakfast.
Your paintings
are nearby
and you
are out in the garden
telling the trees and flowers
that they too
are getting better
all the time.