Not googling Vermeer

Not googling Vermeer

Sun being up and early bright 

me too (though less so) 

created slanting shadow grids

recalling Dutch interiors with jugs and maids, pearl earrings 

and now my memory is stalled and flick of the key with revving’s all in vain 

his name, his name? 

Stay calm, relax, oh god, the light’s now green 

picture the windows, blue in her hair

don’t even think of googling. 

How maddening and saddening 

an hour spent with Clive James 

(his name, his name?) 

getting the poems by heart, anon today and Herbert

all three verses perfectly wrought 

Western wind, I’ve wrangled, oh woeful 

for want of a spark in the synapses 

fire of joy unfired. 

But look here ( duck, duck, go not google) 

Vermeer! T’would appear, alive in the era of Herbert. 

Keep calm and be grateful for wifi 

what’s got by heart not by head, instead 

Love Bade Me Welcome, what joy what bliss 

picture this, the slant of the sun through the window. 

23rd March 2021, Hounoux