WITH CAT

You think it is 2018 and early morning birds

Sing loudly in late Spring. I know

That it is 1935 and winter is here -- see my coat?

It is heavy and torn and some buttons

Have been replaced by pins.

(In truth, I always wear this coat

Because I am always cold.)

Usually I look down, scanning the ground

For half-smoked cigarettes, my cap pulled down

So that my eyes are in shadow

But now I look at you; my picture's being taken

Here, beneath the French bridge where I sleep.

I'm holding my black cat; why shouldn't she

Have her picture taken? I've seen your dreams;;

Not for a minute do I believe them.

MORE ON THE SUBJECT OF AACHEN'S DEAD BISHOPS

The dead bishops of Aachen are quiet folk

Emerging from their sepulchers late at night

To clean up the cathedral.  Done,they gather

Outside, smoking the half-used cigarettes

Tourists crushed when they entered,

And watch the stars slowly disappear.

At dawn, the bell named Leopardus

Tolls gently and the bishops fade away.