Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GOOD NIGHT, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GOOD NIGHT, by                 Poet's Biography
First Line: In brilliant gas light
Last Line: I am ready for bed.
Subject(s): Fantasy; Night


In brilliant gas light
I turn the kitchen spigot
and watch the water plash
into the clean white sink.
On the grooved drain-board
to one side is
a glass filled with parsley --
crisped green.
Waiting
for the water to freshen --
I glance at the spotless floor --:
a pair of rubber sandals
lie side by side
under the wall-table
all is in order for the night.

Waiting, with a glass in my hand
-- three girls in crimson satin
pass close before me on
the murmurous background of
the crowded opera --
it is
memory playing the clown --
three vague, meaningless girls
full of smells and
the rustling sound of
cloth rubbing on cloth and
little slippers on carpet --
high-school French
spoken in a loud voice!

Parsley in a glass,
still and shining,
brings me back. I take my drink
and yawn deliciously.
I am ready for bed.





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