Looking towards the south

Beyond my window the mountain hangs like a curtain

pinned at one end by the castle.

Vineyards almost half way up it, vines in rows;

then a dull-green and tawny waste.

Partridges breed in the wasteland and call throughout the spring

asparagus grows there wild

and as the year wears on

a snake-eagle rides steady on the wind

gazing down with orange eyes:

august moons rise behind the castle

and in the winter the dog-star

heaves up, a splendid lamp.