for Bink Noll

Your package was not delivered
Because there was no one at home;
We tried to force the window but
Failed, and merely upset the cat.
A second attempt was made, but
When we called at your door you were
Searching ferociously for keys,
And seemed unworthy of the gift.
Your package was not delivered
A third time because we opened it
Ourselves and enjoyed its bright
Entrails hungrily (whilst sorting boys
Swooped around our heads like vultures).
We have delivered over two thousand
Packages this year without fail,
But not yours. Perhaps
This is due to some fault at the root
Of your character, or something
Unresolved in the tangled
Ecology of your family tree.
Nevertheless, we will endeavour
To call at the threshold of your house
Each day, and hand over a thick packet
Of white and manila notices.