1
Cuthbert
up to his neck
in a spring
and the acolyte
of Tadao,
under
the waterfall,
both cold,
told themselves
desire had fled.
Instead,
Cuthbert
licked dry by otters,
and the acolyte,
his skin
dog nuzzled,
were puzzled to find
their bodies aware.
There are ways
one remains insoluble.
2
In Carpaccio's 1495 painting,
Cormorants Hunting in the Lagoon,
two fish lie gutted in a boat.
Lilies on the edge,
birds among men,
then the sense of tide,
and sun.
3
A reindeer's hide,
with hooves, brings meat.
Seated hearthside, we sing songs,
transport color.
