Bill Manhire

1
For three years
it slept by me
tied at my love’s wrist
white smoke in the pillow

2
I use the white pebble
to hold a book open
at the page I want

& write words
in the light 
it casts
when the moon rises

3
If you pick it up
it plunges away
the weight plunges

4
Sometimes I throw it
in a woman’s lap
& cast her asleep

or give it to friends
commencing a marriage

5
Here it is
falling through 
the air

*

a small regret

a feather

6
If you happen on
the white pebble
it is the colour of a stream

(a man is sitting close by
eating sandwiches)

©Bill Manhire

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Last updated 11 July, 2001