i sit with the Jackals, feeding
flowers to the Cranes
the afternoon air bathes me with its golden light
the playful Jackals frolic near my feet
while the stately Cranes nibble the morsels i offer
They don't really pay much attention to me
just as the breeze moves as it will
whether or not i like the way it feels
in my hair and on my skin
i move to sit by the water when i
run out of flowers
the Jackals keep at their play and
the Cranes stand in stately silence
watching the Koi now i let down my hair
and step clothed into the pond
the Koi dart away without annoyance
but it feels as if the Cranes watch with scorn
the Jackals leave
i submerge myself letting the green
water move my hair and touch my skin much
as the golden breeze had done
i can't stay here
for one, i'm not like the Koi and i must
breathe the air
leaving the water my gown and hair
heavy with it
the Koi are slow to return to where i had been
the Cranes startle and take off
the golden breeze seems chilly now
i lay on the grass and let the sun
and air dry me
so i can go home
April 4-5, 2011
