[Dedicated to Klaus Figge and Horst Taubmann, editors
of Heidelberg University's "Forum Academicum" during the fifties
and sixties.
Figge later became a top-ranking editor of the "Frankfurter
Algemeine Zeitung" and Taubmann, a renowned Theatre
Producer at the Mannheim National Theatre.
Great to have known
you both. And very many thanks. T. Wignesan]

Unheeded in the spread of his name, quaking

[Dedicated to Klaus Figge and Horst Taubmann, editors
of Heidelberg University's "Forum Academicum" during the fifties
and sixties.
Figge later became a top-ranking editor of the "Frankfurter
Algemeine Zeitung" and Taubmann, a renowned Theatre
Producer at the Mannheim National Theatre.
Great to have known
you both. And very many thanks. T. Wignesan]

Unheeded in the spread of his name, quaking
Through the knit brow cuddling the sombre eye
Twice buckled into the couch of his yearning

The mouldy cast of unsculptured hands, moulting
In the surging sweaty cries’ unexpected sigh
Sooner lost than won with unrenewed longing

Every day, every night in chastened haste, calling That
one face, one hand trembling on bosomy thigh
Through all the twigs of his knotty brooding

Mighty log in the dismembered chips, raking
In uneasy orgasms of a protracted lie
The woman clasped in the memory revolting

Fleshy hair to press, hovering nostrils, drinking
In the incensing vapours, and that face a wry
Screaming in the rubbing spasm, a bloody cursing

All, all and more, and the biting shame, clawing
Now at the name, silently growing, that shy
Child of old hopefully shared and lingered moaning

© T. Wignesan, 1960, first pub. in “Forum Academicum”,
University of Heidelberg, 1957
[from the collection: Tracks of
a Tramp. Kuala Lumpur-Singapore: 1961 ]