13th December 2009

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née today: Kenneth Patchen
birth info: 13 December 1911 - 8 January 1972

“Pastoral”
The Dove walks with sticky feet
Upon the green crowns of the almond tree,
Its feathers smeared over with warmth
Like honey
That dips lazily down into the shadow …

Anyone standing in that orchard. So filled with peace and sleep,
Would hardly have noticed the hill
Nearby
With its three strange wooden arms
Lifted above a throng of motionless people
- Above the helmets of Pilate’s soldiers

Flashing like silver teeth in the sun.