("Ask the master of the night...")

YVES BONNEFOY + GALWAY KINNELL

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Let the word burn out

On this facet of being where we are laid bare,

On this aridness blown across

By the wind of the finite only.

Let him who was burning standing up

Like a vine,

Let the topmost singer roll from the crest

Illuminating

Vast unutterable matter.

Let the word burn out

In this low room where you come to me,

Let the hearth of the cry close down

On our words becoming embers.

Let the coldness by my death arise and take on meaning.

Ask the master of the night what is this night,

Ask: what is it you want, © disjointed master?

Castaway of your night, yes in it I am seeking you,

I live by your questions, I speak in your blood,

Tam the master of your night, I keep watch in you

like the night.

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