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Pasternak Time: “Green glassware and silver bowls”


Pasternak Time: “Green glassware and silver bowls”

Green glassware and silver bowls,
White linen and wide open windows
Are not so much to ask for.
Close writing and secret psalms,
Firm friendships and wild private visions –
Who says there will be no more?
Grown ideas and saving themes,
Greek knowledge and deep inner doubts –
Excuse me, here is the door!
Dark vigils and feast day meals,
Rich motets through long summer twilights
The party will not ignore.
Lost mornings and afternoons,
Hereafters and pained after effects:
After is not like before.


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