for K.N.P.

Yes, you'd have laughed if you were here today

(That noisy, sudden, almost merry laugh)

To find me thinking of your bulging calf

Which bounced you round at squash (the score at play

Was love to each of us alternately), -

-

As if all life were balanced by that bulge Now swelling vivid through my memory All life: you worship Dante and indulge

In nonstop feasts on Joyce; at least, you did, And I'm not one who thinks you miss them there

(Dante and Joyce can lift the leaden lid

To pay as lengthly calls); nor need I beg Your pardon for the freakpoint of my stare, (Uncarnal friend,) your reincarnate leg.

Terence Heywood