LatinosUSA

In early morn a guest leans by the south window
shaking apart slender bamboo shadows
bamboo leaves drift down upon the stone steps
cast off long robes, we sit and drink wine side by side
the guest’s face wears a dim subdued light

By noon his words turn plain and mild
he talks of farmland toil and field affairs
dipping hands in cool linen, words hang unsaid
a bowl of water clear to its bed

As afternoon comes, all looks fade away
gathered in the yard, no word to say
heavy burdens weigh their hearts this year
settling soft amid snowflakes near

At midnight they return once more
stand in the courtyard listening to snow’s low roar
hearing each other depart apart
footsteps vanish in the wind’s dark heart

The tea grows cold bit by bit
winter sunlight slants into it
I lower the linen curtain slow
deep winter has come to dwell and grow

No guests have come to call this year
their names plain, their faces unclear
I rest my hand amid flower shade
bright moonlight gently falls into my embrace