Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
He has a lover who refuses him
The things he hopes for, clearest texts from love
And frequent prompts as if a holy hymn
Were being sent, a hymn as if above
All other matters were the source of songs
Sent out across the realm of men. One bout,
And then another one of silence, throngs
The universe of their affair. The drought
Resulting from the echoing in spells
Of hush becomes a threat in loving’s space.
It is as if they were in separate cells
Like nuns (with one, though, punished in disgrace).
The lover sends him messages without
Enough but with broad poison blanks for doubt.
~ Phillip Whidden