Glum Summer

(Dedicated to Frank Sargeson)

Ron, I'd say.
What is it, Eth? he'd say.
And then I'd say, Ron.
And instead of answering he'd just have a sort of faint grin on
his face.
Ron, I'd say.
But I never could get further than just saying Ron.
I wanted so say something, but I didn't know what it was, and
I couldn't say it.
Ron, I'd say.
And he'd sort of grin. And sometimes I'd take his hand and hold
it tight, and he'd let it stay in my hand, and there'd be the faint
grin on his face.
Ron, I'd say.
I'm all right, Eth, he'd say. I like it, Eth.