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'Silent Sky' by Clive James

by
July–August 2010, no. 323

'Silent Sky' by Clive James

by
July–August 2010, no. 323

Peter Porter b. Brisbane 1929, d. London 2010

The sky is silent. All the planes must keep
Clear of the fine volcanic ash that drifts
Eastward from Iceland like a bad idea.
In your apartment building without lifts,
Not well myself, I find it a bit steep
To climb so many stairs but know I must
If I would see you still alive, still here.
The word is out from those you love and trust –
Time is so short that from your clever pen
No line of verse might ever flow again.

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