O faint sad noises
and milky dullness,
rose-colored blindness
in evening gowns
how moist and rhythmic
those who walk near
the glassy harbor.
Silent drift of deserters
from the theater,
and everywhere the stars
receding, receding . . .
nothing to hold onto
but their own silver hearts.
“The Glassy Harbor,” from Viper Jazz, published by Wesleyan University Press, 1976. Copyright © 1976 by James Tate. Reprinted with permission