John Ashbery: “The Skaters”

III-H

	Another time I thought I could see myself.
	This too proved illusion, but I could deal with the way
	I keep returning on myself like a plank
	Like a small boat blown away from the wind.

	It all ends in a smile somewhere.
	Notes to be taken on all this,
	And you can see in the dark, of which the night
	Is the continuation of your ecstasy and apprehension.