LANDSCAPE AND FIGURE

They've gone beyond to where I can't go after:
A figure's edging slowly off the landscape,
Moving towards a corner till it seems
Scored by a fingernail, an afterthought.

And I'm left empty. -Here she sets the table,
Spreads and adjusts the cloth. It's marked with flowers
Fixed steadily at intervals. She asks me questions:
Unreadily I answer. Beyond the window
I've seen another hopelessly departing.
There's a flat surface now with no loved landmark,
Spread like the cloth she lays across the table.

But then a miracle, a figure's edging
Back into view, moving towards the window.
The sun tilts down. Tonight as shadows lengthen,
The afternoon sun spread will then be gathered
...