NOW that a crimson rambler
begins to crawl over the house
of our two lives—
Now that a red curve
winds across the shingles—
Now that hands
washed in early sunrises
climb and spill scarlet
on a white lattice weave—
Now that a loop of blood
is written on our roof
and reaching around a chimney—
How are the two lives of this house
to keep strong hands and strong hearts?