Peter Isacké
The Twin Poem
Inspired by John Zoffany's The Blunt Children 1734-1850.
[As written from the painting, Birmingham Art Gallery]
Children of Autumn
are pulling a cart -
tiny twin totlets
are shifting the store.
Come, my pretty maids
twins of the field,
come, pretty maids
for me to shield.
One wearing black shoes,
other red ...
Come, pretty maids,
kindred.
Dock leaves growing out of earth,
satin holding tiny sashed girths,
clouds turning under faint hills,
infants suddenly stand still.
Twinned in meadows, twinned in trees,
red hair of midnight beginning to freeze.
Together walk through Papa's fields
together wander, together steal
down as 'wee' children to pools edge ...
"Is that my sister in waters sedge?"
I tell you, sweet cherubs,
be careful of rakes,
stand to attention
artists brush makes!
Bom blue-blooded of meadow, wood,
bom identical, in maidenhood,
green eyes, gentle, two years old,
mischief not theirs, are not bold!
Sameness have from Mother’s womb
out, one morning, into tomb!
Stand together -
companions of shadows,
comrades of bone!
One flesh, not mind,
discover pith of kind ...
feel emotion, same thoughts,
together bind us, together taught...
know when weeping, when gay -
"Dearest, don't let us both go away!"
Come, my pretty maids,
away from shore -
Come, pretty maids,
Sleep indoors!
Page(s) 37-38
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