Dayspring

for Pauline

Let the soft-skinned grape ride in the sun.
Let the bond between the road and the cars and the houses
be a strong one, be a good one.

Let the waves carry, and the end waves run
water-splendid on the sand of warm beaches.
Let the soft-skinned grape ride in the sun.

Let the teeth bite the good currant bun.
Let the day, that is encountered by all the senses
be a strong one, be a good one.

May your life now delight everyone
who comes near, and can perceive, its salient forces.
Let the soft-skinned grape ride in the sun.

All small events, items, separate things done:
let their intention, through many stages,
be a strong one, be a good one.

The season of everything has begun.
Let the new time happen – and the gift from its chances
let the soft-skinned grape ride in the sun
be a strong one, be a good one.