IMPROVISATION #100
BECAUSE
(for Andrei Voznesensky
1933-2010)

Because you have
the desire for love
to give pleasure
and awake instead
from your sleepy words,
Andrei Voznesensky
as your hands and voice
are raised as Robert Lowell
has praised you
in a said commentary
that you were one
of the greatest
living poets of choice
knowing that from Moscow
we are your surrendered guest
as you rebel and inspire
to rouse or quiet
the January storm
by the Vermont
fir Christmas trees
for we just want
to keep warm.