O

- against which

there rake

branches

that rust

and grate

into

frayed ringlet

curls upon

curls

across midnight

floor-board

slats

as cork or

chalk is

smudged

upon,

against or

on

which - this

stretch of

indigo

sheen - with

a cellophane

pallor

that gleams

as virgin tomb-

stones

of marble;

then hammer.

then chisel.

then name.