A
Villanelle for Una
A toy is father and the child of man:
An older guiding of the young t'wards light;
A new becoming, quickened by her hand.
As Una says "An iffy point!" - she takes a stand:
"All balderdash! - how can you cite,
" 'A toy is father and the child of man?'"
A mirror she to all who lack command,
A light reflected homeward leads by night,
A new becoming, quickened by her hand.
A ring of emerald lies wan upon her hand,
Against her childlike smile and bright delight.
A toy is father and the child of man.
"A meaning to this life! Tell! I command!"
Against her herness I feel my fright,
A new becoming, quickened by her hand.
All lives are lead as best we can,
A simple start from objects of delight:
A dancer's face does heat the moving fan?
A toy is father and the child of man -
A new becoming, quickened by her hand.