Who Was It Came

Who was it came
Over the mountains bearing
Gifts we did not ask?

-Not the sapience of the thrush
Or the ant's perdurance,
Something a body might use-

Who was it brought
Cerements and a wrinkled skin,
A sour digestion

Over the mountains, offering
Crotchets and a rheumy gaze
And wits gone wandering?

Just when we thought to repossess
The taut frenzies of Chicago jazz
And bridal ardor

Here he comes,
Inexorable gaffer in an old hat
Croaking our names.