Diptych

I

Carpet flames,
Chain grip: incense
in a cup. Violins
and mandolins re-
corded. Oddly off,
Stumble dancer,
rafter slanting down.
(What is now beyond 
you now my dear?)
Hold it (having 
hardened) with a kiss.
He had lied
for years.

II

Zero on ice.
Tire spun: smoke
to three a.m. Hail
and also headlight
dimming. Oddly out.
Weep then weeper,
headlight out and hail
(Who is now beside 
me now and dear?)
Break it (having
buckled) with a fist.
She had cried
for years.