April in Belfast

Hist! Sirrah,

Sit silent, listen --

Outside the tearoom

the thaw is dripping.

Sweet, sweet,

dripping sweet,

silent,

dripping away.

Prithee, partner,

Sip tea and sit

By the windowsill,

Diffusing translucent

Sunlight.

List -- and be still,

for once!

Rise, friend!

Haste away

Along the canal,

Belfrys clanging

from thirty thoroughfares;

Walk along light glinting,

ice moving,

frost flashing --

April in Belfast.