Bookmark

for Angelica


Old clichés finally speaking untold volumes,
“Getting on in years,” that comedy without laughter,
Drifting through the fitful intervals in
Which insomnia presages a dull oblivion,
Half dozing, I am awakened suddenly
By the sharpness of the aromatic root
In your name, which has your fragrance in it,
Like a flower pressed between the pages
Of a book put aside long ago, and reopened
At the beginning of the unread final chapter.

Angelica archangelica, spring (Western Slovakia): photo by Doronenko, 2007

Angelica archangelica (Jardin des Plantes de Paris): photo by Daderot, 2008