SEINE DOWN

Here we are, happy as dalmations.

The trees are fat and green
on the lapidary Seine.
The Eternal Couple
make believe and make love,
running London Bridges
under each other's wonderful arms.

Perhaps the patter of whirlpools
beneath Napoleon's bridge
flatters the multiple swallows,
for ever they're willing to sing.

Buses take deep breaths
and exhale into the distance,
as sparrows peck the gravel,
undisturbed.

Then the sun
kneels to earth
and wraps it up slowly
in tangerine

As the grey obedient buildings
nod off by the quais
(but boats come by with spotlights
to wake them up.)

          copyright 1985, James B. Chevallier