Blue: The Body Wins - For A Day Poem by Richard Blanch

A metrical exercise and a Greek memory




With the shadow of daybreak come notes that excite
In a blue which the sun throws impressionist-bright
And the cool gleam of morning gives way to the sight
Of noon’s rioting Van Gogh- a whirlpool screwed tight
Till the yellows and reds are consumed in the white
Of a nervous intention: there’s pain and delight
In this midday of olives: roused senses choose right
And so mind, spirit, soul must come down: their myths quite
Overthrown: northern temperaments give up the fight
And sprawl animal, indolent, relishing light
That breaks in like a lover; here heat is a rite-
-Is a god: see his chariot’s glorious flight

Till a casual coffee cup turns, and the bite
Of the day fades and velvet comes, slithering night.