EDITH SITWELL'S DAY
(1887-1964)


In your drawing room
with so many reviewed
by the avant-garde
like the Russian painter
Pavel Tchelitchew
later your eyes sink
in the hope for peace
having survived the blitz
yet here again
on your birthday Sept. 7
in a bard's voice of radiance
with a read and recording
to enchant our generation
after your chocolate cake
you spy on a branch of finches
by the pine porch swing
together with dancing sparrows
with nine songbird wings
together with dancing sparrows
on our slate roofs,
Edith Sitwell translated
in color and humor
to a poet's heavenly realm
you are not forgotten.