The River

I It was at midnight I woke up? A dark snake! All wet and dripping for the high sky, What treacherous skin pulled with darkness? Flashing at my(botched)

II Lift me into transparent shimmers;—he thought Save my tattered clothing, in the desolate daunt. Hold that near your garden and die. Keep the entry, breathe, and hurl the wings Before they snap clear back—the wind buries me.—

III Forget all yesterdays! Those that would invade Now reform over water under late leaves Create a long fish body, out-rushing quintessence Not bound, torn slowly apart, From hurt began flooding into fear. Crescents holding love, Dawn slide of luminaries, see flutter. Outrage and wonder work where I was proned and blind—

IV Catch the moon reflected, there. What song dovetailed in darkness?

• Ted Hughes