The Return

The Lost Son and Other Poems (1948)

Suddenly the window will openand Mother will callit’s time to come in

the wall will partI will enter heaven in muddy shoes

I will come to the tableand answer questions rudely

I am all right leave mealone. Head in hand Isit and sit. How can I tell themabout that longand tangled way.

Here in heaven mothersknit green scarves

flies buzz

Father dozes by the stoveafter six days’ labour.

No—surely I can’t tell themthat people are at eachother’s throats.

The Lost Son and Other Poems (1948)