Repast
Madeleine Dale
The spoons are all dressed in black .
The bread wears a veil of mould .
Will you pour the wine ?
My glass is full of sunlight .
My mouth tastes of grave-dirt .
Will you strip the silver knives from their damask ?
It is as though I spat out every mouthful of earth onto the coffin myself .
Will you eat ?
My throat is full , an old well bricked up with the bones still in .
My plate is blurred with dust .
Will you sit in the draped chair ?
I have set the table for two , even now .
Cauldron Anthology 39