But Could You?

But Could You?

I blurred at once the map of humdrum, by splashing colours like a potion; I showed upon the dish of jelly the slanted cheekbones of the ocean.

Upon the scales of metal fishes I read the new lips’ attitude. But could you now perform a nocturne Just playing on a drainpipe flute?

А вы могли бы? (Маяковский)