Periwinkle's Purr, One

Her discus moon’s in perigee tonight

And glares and paces on the mountain clouds,

While Susan, underneath, steals home, despite

The densely gathered blindly playful crowds –

They shout and laugh, most drunk – it’s Saturday,

And none look up to watch the falling sky,

And none see Susan boldly on her way,

And only Susan hears the moon’s dread cry –

For she still watches all of Nature’s signs,

Haruspicates and scries, can read and stir

A remedy or incantation’s lines

From secret books or Periwinkle’s purr.

She knows the trick to save mankind its fate,

But none will thank her when they wake up late.