Thaw

Why should meltwater
press so
on a wound?

The bodies of Victorian climbers
are recovered
as the glaciers retreat

erratics
in the malachite green,
backlit by the sun.

It can still open an artery —
that glimpse
of their release —

uncorrupted, roped-together
as if death
were a minor master.

Copyright © 2004 Pauline Stainer All rights reserved
from The Lady & The Hare
Bloodaxe Books
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission