Swept Away

This time of year night falls like a razor

Landing each afternoon like the Mason Dixon line

Dividing north from south and blue from grey

As the colors fade into Christmas.

This time of year night falls and renders asunder

that which was joined

that which was promised

by elfin children,

who grow to be shadows

long now in the weak winter light.

This time of year the choirs sing the songs of Vietnamese barbers

Gloria Gloria snip snip buzz

While the walkers search the seaside for bargains

And the hunters long for love to fall

Like a razor

Like a shadow

Like a lock of golden hair

swept away at twilight.