Poem 66: They Wrote in Water (for DT)

they wrote in water
before you came
before you and your pen
with its crying sight
that saw the skies hidden fire
and forced its blistering heat
into the cold galley-way
of our words now washed
in the new wine
of your hearts wedding feast
that married
your pain and seeing
in the church of rocks
and miles of sea
where they counted your words
mis-spelt your voice
and eclipsed your sun
with the dull shadow
of their unknowing, unseeing
your track to broad for them
across the stars
they return to the hills
from whence you came
and while puzzling still
the taste of your wine
continue in secret to thirst
and drink their pale water.