You don’t have to be
beautiful or clever,

after the wind drops,
don’t be too good,

or pretend to be cool,
detached like the rest,

just enjoy the sunshine,
with me, the uncut park,

watching afternoon shadows,
creep warmly over your toes,

love your languor, turn-over,
maybe trade some dreams,

or share those shadows,
that cling to us both, and -

just let the hard softness of
your body do what it wants,

let grasses grow under you,
even into your saddest parts,

don’t be anything but this:
just be kind, and languid, and -

let the sun turn you soft and lovely,
anytime you get the chance,

so when I think of you, i’ll find you
in that time of grass and shadows.


Guy Peppin