to Alessandro

the ha' penny

tall and elegant with curls as three lamps
Alexander is the ha'penny
reaching out for the heart of Dublin
not a beggar but a bridge
over tide river and seagulls
taking girls by the hand
along white banisters
north and south
telling them to take a glimpse
of themselves in the Liffey
when the sky is a fine frame 
if you don't, it's just the same
it will be next time
you cross over
it's just a ha'penny