BELL AND EAR MCMLXXI

A YOUTH IN AN ABBEY IN 1971

Knelt down
weeded the flower bed
in the cloister garth,

orange brick walls
waist high
shadows in the cloister
where the sun
could not touch,

intrantes autem
in domum Dei
so I did
that first time in 68,

smell of baked bread
and incense
and aged brick
and sight of cloisters
in moonlight,

Domine da mihi
castitatem et nondum
Augustine said
I thought likewise
but never said,

she cupped me
with her soft fingers
and tongued me
in her dark room,

Hugh thin faced
grim featured
eyed the breviary
chanted the Latin text
beside me
I copied
best I could,

partecipare alla
vita di Dio
the Italian monk said
as we mended
broken fences
by the far grounds,

George read
the day's text
in practice
must be clever
Dom James said
clear as a bell's tone,

Twice armed
if we fight with faith
Gareth said in Greek
quoting Plato
twice armed
fighting with faith
or suchlike
he added
seeing my
incomprehension,

have me
she said
in whisper
soft breath
whiskey soaked,

rope between hands
rough against skin
bell pulled as bell tolled
vibrated loud
in ear's fold
and hold.