gershon hepner - burning boy

Love’s the burning boy, exquisitely was said
once by a lady poet called Elizabeth;
it cannot be extinguished till we’re very dead,
so do not let a bishop diagnose its death.

Inspired by a poem by Elizabeth Bishop, “Casabianca”:

Love's the boy stood on the burning deck
trying to recite ‘The boy stood on
the burning deck.’ Love's the son
stood stammering elocution
while the poor ship in flames went down.

Love's the obstinate boy, the ship,
even the swimming sailors, who
would like a schoolroom platform, too,
or an excuse to stay
on deck. And love's the burning boy.

gershon hepner

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/burning-boy/