9

The chains are the sequence

for each there is a before

for each there is an after

but the ghosts don't know now from now.

To a certain extent

before and after are blank.

It is not whether before and after are right

but the ghosts that come between.

The lovers wishing that they were present

send their mail before and after

and the ghosts are a present

that comes in the mail.

Now the ghosts come between the lovers

and the guests are shifting in their chairs.

The sound of the chains is the mail

the lovers wear.