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