Good Night + 

In brilliant gas light + 

I turn the kitchen spigot + 

and watch the water plash + 

into the clean white sink. + 

On the grooved drain-board + 

to one side is + 

a glass filled with parsley⁠— + 

crisped green. + 

Waiting + 

for the water to freshen⁠— + 

I glance at the spotless floor⁠—: + 

a pair of rubber sandals + 

lie side by side + 

under the wall-table, + 

all is in order for the night. + 

Waiting, with a glass in my hand + 

—three girls in crimson satin + 

pass close before me on + 

the murmurous background of + 

the crowded opera⁠— + 

it is + 

memory playing the clown⁠— + 

three vague, meaningless girls + 

full of smells and + 

the rustling sound of + 

cloth rubbing on cloth and + 

little slippers on carpet⁠— + 

high-school French + 

spoken in a loud voice! + 

Parsley in a glass, + 

still and shining, + 

brings me back. I take my drink + 

and yawn deliciously. + 

I am ready for bed. + 