And I feel I'd like to add one from somewhere
later in the series, and this one may do.
This makes elusive reference to a well-known and deservedly
well-known poem by Galway Kinnell,
and I'll tell you that so that you
won't think it was a mistake.
It's called "Constant Feelings."
Some acts I could never, not forthrightly,
not by flanking you, accomplish, like
that bridge the poet tried to put in this poem
to be put in his pocket.
Another became a bearskin, already shed.
I wanted to harp on that bridge, of course
to be that bluebottle, cornflower, the three
leaves of the sassafras.
Naturally I hoped the coat of my arms
would, when I reached for you, spin off, revealing
the new skin of a purer animal.
I think I shall always love you.
When I enter your skin, I am closer to bear, bridge, bush
and that tree which, granting the lovers shade,
will be my veins round yours--
many loves which are lives, but do not depend on lives.