There is St. Ignatius Church
There is Point Bonita
There is a bug like a wasp
its giant antennae
flail and thwack the concrete in its path
Fennel green and yellow lace
Great moss rose a flowery shaving-brush
You’re the only creature I really love
Aside from Mama and my Teddy bear
I never miss you until I think of you
Now you love lots more than I
No matter how often we meet you never see me
I’ve become an old man
Soon I’ll be keeping cats and goldfish
A large photo album of the days when I was middle-aged
In love with you and expecting immortal fame.
—Philip Whalen, “Labor Day 6:IX:65”
Art Credit Meghan Howland
