The Stratford Quarterly Issue 1

Mark J. Mitchell Homage to Montale Le loro canzoni Le trombe d’oro della solarità (The golden hours of sunlight Pelt their song) —Eugenio Montale I limoni Trans, Jonathan Galassi Listen everyday poets, lemons are trying to teach you just how to sing an almost perfect, just-past-noon day. Hear the notes reach towards white flowers. Look across blue water. Let blooms almost tickle your ears.

Breathe deep as they call back that tea party no one wanted but someone insisted on—Earl Grey and store-bought scones.

You sat outside under pale sun— not this lemony sky.

Everyone told traveler’s tales that weren’t true then but flower in memory. Now look, 26