IN THE MARKET

 

That woman from whom you 

Just now bought a shoelace -- 

Sturdy, dark-eyed, a bit stout --

Was Persephone until she saw

Some Spring's first blossom 

And wasn't at all surprised.

MIRROR

 

Knowing it's for the last time, he leaves his bed

And goes to say farewell to his reflection

Who fails to keep the appointment, sending

Some transparently untrustworthy stranger

With uncombed hair and shifty eyes.

BEING INFORMED

 

Esther would have known that after she died

It would be necessary to spill out any water

Standing in the house no matter where it was

Since the Angel of Death -- known to be 

Curiously fastidious -- might have rinsed his knife

Before hurrying to his next appointment.