SYLLABLES Poem by António Ramos Rosa

Syllables.
The alcohol of December is cold and hoarse.
The cigarette bitter. It's a clinical cigarette.
Syllables.
Syllables are used to make verses.

The tabletop is smooth.
A spoon is a familiar and delicious
complex form.
A glass is as clear-cut
as an unobsequious servant.
A woman takes shape
in the eyes of the poet.
A body. Two syllables.
Just enough money. The coat collar
to cover his nape
and ears.
Syllables.