Especially I like the bit where
they take the sun away
by sliding a cloud hinged to a hill
over it late in the day
-it is so nicely done, this part,
barely noticeable until
it is, well, over...
I like particularly
the humility in the skill
that would much rather dodge
the embarassing applause,
and under the invisible finger-tented
cloth gradually withdraws
until there is only the shadowy
stage, the hat, cloak, cane,
the tumbler of still water
and, last but not least, the plain
gesture of reversal even now
returning to scarves
of the most fluid silk the world's
pocketful of doves.

~ Bruce Dawe
From: "Condolences of the Season"

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