The Bridge
I had not visited the bridge
for nearly twenty years
Its engineer had been dead for that time
I had married his wife after seeing her
from a rooftop nearby
She had given me a child
which I wished was his
But he never returned
I ran my hand over its swollen span
my desire was still strong
From where I stood I could see my child
a smaller bridge
Which now lay in ruins
After an hour I left the bridge
and continued my journey
I had accepted my punishment
The Gown
The wickerwork of your gown
lay rotting in the undergrowth
It is the home for many birds
fleeing from persecution
They displayed themselves to me
but I ignored their plumage
I will not make the same mistake again
The Beggar
As the night pursued me
a beggar vile in rags
asked for alms
I gave him none
He asked to accompany me
I ignored his request
He asked for food
I gave him bread
He asked for love
so I kissed him
At the inn he slept at the foot of my bed
like a dog
He was gone when I awoke
In the tray beside my bed
he had left some coins
This was my reality