Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


23RD STREET RUNS INTO HEAVEN by KENNETH PATCHEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: YOU STAND NEAR THE WINDOW AS LIGHTS WINK
Last Line: OUR SUPPER IS PLAIN BUT WE ARE VERY WONDERFUL.
Subject(s): LOVE - EROTIC;

You stand near the window as lights wink
On along the street. Somewhere a trolley, taking
Shop-girls and clerks home, clatters through
This before-supper Sabbath. An alley cat cries
To find the garbage cans sealed; newsboys
Begin their murder-into-pennies round.
We are shut in, secure for a little, safe until
Tommorrow. You slip your dress off, roll down
Your stockings, careful against runs. Naked now,
With soft light on soft flesh, you pause
For a moment; turn and face me --
Smile in a way that only women know
Who have lain long with their lover
And are made more virginal.

Our supper is plain but we are very wonderful.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net