It is the parting.
To know in all the world for ever, now,
What loneliness will be,
At eight. With two
dozen handkerchiefs,
White, labelled,
Six pairs of socks, grey, labelled,
Shoes, black, outdoor, clearly marked,
Shoes, black, indoor, clearly marked,
All clearly, clearly labelled;
Against loss.
Goodbye to mother, father,
That he come back a man
If at all,
If at all you will know him.
Most surely he will cease to be
Discernible, your own unique,
Free-thinking child.
He must be clearly labelled
That he be not lost for good among the dozens
In the Process of Ambition.
Little brother,
Three. With some
dozen simple toys
Safe, labelled,
Twenty four non-toxic blocks, bright,
Hammer pegs, rings, all clearly marked
Educational; bucket, clearly marked;
His simple, sweeting, gentle smile
A label,
Sticking. Child but
incomplete.
The mind cannot break through.
Hallo to mother, father.
Hallo, hallo, life-child, if at all;
If he be even here.
He will perhaps for ever be
Unknowable, your own unique
Unthinking child.
He lives and happy labelled
That he be saved a place among the dozens
In the process of Ambition.
Big brother, take him with you.
Little brother, lead him home.
It is the parting now.
What loneliness will be.
(March, 1974)
