I.

Our first white was
taper pale.
It was long and waxed
like nothing flat.

II.

I am ticking away
the second
same moment
lending it length,
standing it on head.
The heart blanches,
extremity swells.

III.

Consulting the face of absence
one sees it is wanting
sunlight not because it is obscured
in darkness, but because it is stark
and creamy as a winter chicory.

IV.

Sugar almond; pearl; constellation light;
moth; cinder; kite; remembrance;
as in the core of sleep have kept
their dreamy white.