In the stillness of night I search all corners
of my room for you - and yet!
in my heart of hearts

I know you are gone -
gone forever and ever

I caress the pears that fall languid
over my breasts
the pearls you bought me

You would say - no 'English Lady'
should ever be without a string of pearls

You liked me to wear them in bed
where they would lay luminous against
my naked flesh

In this room of solitude and silence
a long shuddering sob escapes my mouth
expelled into the fetid airless room

My hands caress where once your hands caressed
I fall asleep clutching the pearls.