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8 October 2025

NS Poem: These Foolish Things

A new poem by Craig Raine

By Craig Raine

A hair grip
precious as a Giacometti.

The plum tree
in its Laura Ashley frock.

Stretch-marks
in watered silk.

This kir:
your Rothko aura,

radiant
in the toilet bowl.

The three-quarters moon,
her lost expression

like your look away,
your open lips impelled.

[Further reading: Gore Vidal: American prophet]

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This article appears in the 08 Oct 2025 issue of the New Statesman, The truth about small boats