North and South
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
Through the waters of Granada
only sighs can row. ~ Lorca, “Baladilla de lost res rios”
The gondolier in Venice oars his way
Through green as green as anisetta mixed
With water. Shoulders make the movement sway.
The glancing Norfolk lady stands transfixed
By darkness’ beauty, bello. Bulge of arms
Fixates her light blue eyes. She turns as shy
As novice nun, but he has seen her. Harms
Well up inside her core. A smile too sly
For her to notice crosses boatman’s lips.
He’s seen this kind before. He does not know
But surely guesses that she loves his hips.
A certain part of him begins to grow.
He skims towards her, climbs out onto land.
He nods. She turns her eyes. He takes her hand.
~ Phillip Whidden
