The List
Flawlessly typed, and spaced At the proper intervals, Serene and lordly, they pace Along tomorrow’s list Like giftbearers on a frieze.
In tranquil order, arrayed With the basic human equipment - A name, a time, a number - They advance on the future.
Not more harmonious who pace Holding a hawk, a fish, a jar (The customary offerings), Along the valley of the kings.
Tomorrow these names will turn nasty, Senile, pregnant, late, Handicapped, handcuffed, unhandy, Muddled, moribund, mute,
Be stained by living. But here, Orderly, equal, right, On the edge of tomorrow, they pause Like giftbearers on a frieze
With the proper offering, A time, a number, a name. I am the artist, the typist; I did my best for them.
(from Side Effects, 1978)
COLLECTED POEMS 1978-2003 Paperback Edition (468 pages): Price: £15.00 per copy post free (£10.00 post free to Associate Members) Cover illustration: Washing Up, Stanley Spencer © Estate of Stanley Spencer 2005 / DACS 2005 Hardback Edition (468 pages): Price: £25.00 per copy post free (£16.75 post free to Associate Members) Cover illustration: Vincent Van Gogh, Still Life with Books, Romans Parisiens (Les Livres Jaunes). © Christie’s Images Ltd. 1988 All rights reserved. Publication: MARCH 2005
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