for Jan Smith
Who took away the snake?
No one took away a snake.
Who took away the snake?
There was no snake.
What is the red rock that lines this path?
Iron. The Germans used to mine it.
What is the red rock that lines this path?
A wall within my dreams.
Where do the hares hide in September?
The island’s dead gorse. Black prickers.
Where do the hares hide in September?
Inside the hungry hunters’ eyes.
When does the owl share its secret name?
Nonsense! Birds have no language.
When does the owl share its secret name?
I hear it only at dawn.
Why has the snake disappeared?
Stop! THERE WAS NO SNAKE!
Why has the snake disappeared?
I buried it, with mercy, by the sea.
