Unavoidable

Three times we hesitated by the fire.
"It's unavoidable," I told the trees,
"Like winter, when the lakes and rivers freeze,
Snow clings, and squirrels, bears, and moles retire
Until the days grow longer, when the choir
Of nightingales is silent, when the bees
Sleep sweetly. Here we are, down on our knees,
Thinking of summertime." I moved the wire.

Digest this: there were greengages and plums
Strewn on the ground, pine needles, logs, and leaves
That covered everything. The heart deceives
The heart that hopes for joy that never comes.
Don't hesitate. The wire sizzles and hums,
The moon and bright stars slip away, like thieves.