CANTO 44
The street is slippery and wet, and so East West is refuge from the teaming rain. I have damp feet and, damn it, a cold brain, And there's a big hole in my shadow. Clarity and charity are fleeting, And no matter whatever I might wish, The air belongs to invisible fish. Always warmed by your welcome greeting, A special touch is what I need today. You prepare the perfect cup of chai, And while making change for me you spy A tarnished coin and say, softly, quickly, "Oh yes, it's worn, but it's not all that old." Suddenly, I'm all composed of gold.