Steepy Mountainsall that has so perturbed us these yearsunperturb usall shining dreamsall shadowy conflictsout on the groundthe painter loves the poetthe drugstore clerk eyesthe welfare mom:call security?watch her moving slowlydown the aislethe soda fountain is gonelike so much else, stillhe might make an honestwoman of herfinallythe sun is always on your hairyou are always standingat roadsidesmiling at mewhile flowers, grasses, and treesbob gentlybeautiful vales beckontowns call out their namessteepy mountains rise, and yieldthe poet loves the painterthe Metis woman eyesher German-Irish loverthe road allowance peopleplay guitar and tune fiddles, watchinganother roadside attractionas the mist leaves no scaron the dark green hillso the sea waves surgeupon the shore and always willat university I understood how all of lifecould be gathered intoone poemin the school of hard knockswith a long row to hoeI thought about you now and thenserved warm drinks to small children, woreyour striped shirtgrew my hair to my waistand cut it short againsaw the grey come inall that has so perturbed us these yearsunperturb usall shining dreamsall shadowy conflictsout on the groundbeautiful vales beckontowns call out their namessteepy mountains rise, and yieldthe shepherd calls to his mistresspromises to decorate her worldone catholic boyone catholic girlprepare to receive a sacramentthey do not understand two middle age strangersholding keys and deep knowledgesift through their sweet heartsof rainbows and rubbleand tentativelyhold out their handsall that has so perturbed us these yearsunperturb usall shining dreams all shadowy conflictsout on the groundbeautiful vales beckontowns call out their namessteepy mountains rise, and yieldstanding under constellationswe may build a big fire, togetherwhile tree frogs creak andbirds singmadrigalsand from the comfort of ourold porch swing, star blanketpulled across our kneeswe maydeep into eveningwatch itburn down