IMPROVISATION #232
INSIDE US

Inside us
   we remember
on cold February days
  the painting of old
De Greuzer's dead bird
 ''A Girl with a Canary''
going in the snow
 carrying bread and water
even after a long sleep
we keep our word
 in our country refrains
 with promises to the sparrow
in need
over the homely hedges where
soon a varying of contrary
 red roses will abide in beds
will grow across the gates
 over the   back roads
 and narrow lanes
 now  white flakes
cover  over ledges
with a shadowy latitude
after the night
   knowing a thaw
will change us in a sunrise
 into  an attitude of giving
and a new law for a bride
     and groom
not hiding in forgiving
will not estrange us
in any gloom
 for the wind from our room
will whisper as we shake off
  our morning fear
that we have forgotten
 to care and share
is  only part of our original sin
knowing in our beatitude
we may
 love in a reborn soul, again
knowing the sun
is above us even in the rain
    as the winds are blowing
that the spring  draws near
whom the poet  in refrain
 John Donne knew
that the bell will toll\
as the spirit is clear
His Word will remain.