Lovers in The Poet’s Garden, Arles 1888
(inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s The Lovers: The Poet’s Garden IV )
He says, ‘now we are holding hands, no longer separated,’
She hesitates, ‘yes,’ and her palm moistens, a palm that
Was ice cold only a moment ago, she wants him, she’s
Sure of that, but she has a husband, God, what can she
Say to make this right? maybe she has no husband at all—
Maybe she is only 18 and still a virgin—no, decades
And children have filled her pages, but he is young,
Much younger than she is, and he is not a virgin,
‘I am staying at this address,’ he hands her the address,
‘She will not return for six weeks, we can meet there, alone,
If you like,’ ‘I like, I will meet you there,’ she is not shy,
His hat covers his head, and please notice that the faces
Are not distinguishable, let’s keep it that way for her family
And for her who will return to him in six weeks.
