Tonight, together, apart.

At four forty four this a.m. I broke

from a curious and troublesome dream:

a back yard cold hound arced from a choke,

bejewelling black glass with sad bark and stream.

*

Struggle, the chain enchanted. But relief?

Not tonight. Nor evasion. Fear defeat.

The fettered dog’s howl and shackle of teeth

seemed to goad no one but me in the street.

*

I spoke. I scolded the chain and dark cur.

Silence, night stealers! Deliver release!

I crave the heat and heart of my lover.

I ache to favour, to follow, to please.

*

I woke at last – the window, reflected

the shape of my love; a vision, complete.

She slept at home and roamed a laked district,

sparkled naked beneath Rydal Mount’s sheet.

*

Night searcher: I seek her, combing the deep.

I see her. I’ll reach her Cumbrian gleam

tomorrow! Tomorrow? This dog will sleep.

Tonight, together, apart, he shall dream.