To Flaming June
(Based on the said painting by Lord Leighton)


Close the ardent crocus
Fast in her sleep.
A lunular petal lapped,
A polliniferous pleat.

Of saffron somnolence
Her suspiration, soundless, insteeped.
Reticence, on a rubious day-bed:
    An apricock
        Bleeds on her cheek.


Crowkeeper (Cornelius Scarecrow esquire)