5.04.2021

disappearing into what he’d chosen

Arden would turn his head toward the one 
he loved, Paul or me, and look downward, 
and butt the top of his skill against us, leaning forward, 
hiding his face, disappearing into what he’d chosen. 
 
Beau had another idea. He’d offer his rump 
for scratching, and wag his tail while he was stroked, 
returning that affection by facing away, looking out 
toward whatever might come along to enjoy. 
 
Beau had no interest in an economy of affection; 
why hoard what you can give away? 
Arden thought you should close your eyes 
to anything else; only by vanishing 
 
into the beloved do you make it clear: 
what else is there you’d want to see? 
 
[Mark Doty {1953- } 'Theory of Marriage (The Hug), from Fire to Fire: New and Selected Poems]

No comments:

Post a Comment