for Roland Burns

The moods of the cantaloupe king are moods

Of the melon king in green variations.

Both entered the orange parlor like nations

Seeking peace from their wintered wars in the woods.

 

Both entered the parlor to say goodbye

Or farewell or peace or adios, ciao,

Adieu, or tschüß; however the ground

Seals its truce. But the old interpreter just sighed.