ELIZABETH BISHOP'S DAY

February 8

A parting day
as you leave Cambridge
for the enlarged thrill
of travel to Brazil
we will always remember
your imparting to us
a sunlight's ray
by large snow drifts
as another semester passes
and in knowing laughter
as you return to your classes
we wait at a celebration
for the new Elizabethan energy
that loyally loves poetry
as did Sir Walter Raleigh
alerted by free verse
from those wisdom of phrases
of those who travel
to far countries of the universe
pouring out as ethereal images
of your royal poetry's perception
out of your lips and mouth
at the luncheon reception
we feeling a bit disconcerted
after the mourning doves
have also deserted us to go South.