John Ashbery: “The Skaters”

		It was caught in strings,
		A "public instruction."
		How far from the usual statement
		About time, ice--the weather itself had gone.

The day was gloves.

		I think there is a funny sandbar
		Your face's milk Use at
		Beyond the old boardwalk end of
		Your intrigue makes you understand. IV

The captain's sigh.

		I've enjoyed having them and
		No dishonor black uncorked

		To you, an earlier litigation
		Wind hard in the tops
		Of the committee laying wreaths
		Pointing down the story, unsung and ungathered,
		A seal on that day's comics.