On His Birthday

ON HIS BIRTHDAY from Anne Donne to her husband John – supposing she went on record.. Five senses have we, but just one soul I take you part by part, and then the whole Your fingertips begin at shadow’s end And I on each a hundred kisses spend. Your toes from which radiate your joy Your soles, your feet, your legs I all enjoy Your shoulders, arms, are ceaseless comfort trained Your face, your hair, your lips are thus arraigned. Sweet tower of enterprise, and honeyed substance found We share our treasure where we most abound Our secret selves are now a flame of sense Where we explode at last in innocence. Exploring ways to end all life’s regrets Our joy a million, million tears forgets. by Rosemarie Rowley from IN MEMORY OF HER Dublin 2008