SIXTEEN OCCASIONAL POEMS

1990–2000

 

9 – EDEN

Poem: Alasdair Gray © 2005

 

Perhaps because I planted it too far north

the park today is showing signs of dearth.

 

It is not good for man to be alone.

Did I give the keeper’s wife so sharp a tongue?

 

Is that why they sit brooding back to back?

What does she find so charming in the snake?

 

It will drive my other beasts wild,

                                    But naming them

(the keeper knows) is a way of taming them.

 

So why are the privileged managers of my zoo

Breaking bits off my favourite tree? GET OUT! BOTH OF YOU!

 
Contents