Endowed In Silt
virtue and pride
had suppressed
the fear
compressed
deep in the subconscious
abyss
inhale
anger
splits
the masonry
exhale
the dam is compromised
hoarding powers
the flow of water
over the reservoir
the foundation
will be eroded away
promise invested
redistributed
endowed
in silt
Luminescent Succession
a retiring corona is interred beneath a brilliant horizon
a painted and surreal abdication of a heavenly sovereign
it’s a breath-taking pageant worth sitting still for
crosslegged on the edge of zen
exhalation bound to the late spring warm breeze
cornhusk silken strands of hair
pulled along with delicate tenacity
the heavy drift of japonica perfuming the seaside dusk
a trail of sand dollars leads the way to the tide’s edge
soft swells and a glimpse of blue-sheen scintillans
herald the nighttime litter bearer of the dimmer empress
the coronation of the day’s successor begins
a heron leaves the water’s edge
takes flight, and returns to nest
little fish in shallow waters
find crevice and cranny to sleep and hide
the wind settles
night’s slick oil calms crest, surge and splash
the rectangles of sky and water blur, become one
the accession and transfer of sway is done
La Reina Nocturna
is a luminescent curved fingernail tonight
an absolute, seductive
resonating ivory vane, beckoning
that waylaid mariners might drop anchor in dark harbours
awe in the goodwill and beauty of her shimmering court
take shelter beneath her divine shield; claim calm and rest
60
The Tao is an ever-changing, eternal flow
She has no true banks, encompasses all
A country, a planet, may seem large
Next to the Tao
A fish to its river is immense
All claimed territory is but small-fry
Would you seek dominance over a spawning
Look to control its movement
Or allow it to travel as nature calls
Offering aid only when flow is blocked
Trusting when the times is right
Nature sees to incarnated demise
The Tao sees to spiritual eternity
Push and pull; you create fight
Manipulate where you need not
You create confusion
Rule with a tight-fist
Strangle life
You serve the Tao
When you do little to prevent its flow
The Tao is an ever-changing, eternal flow
She has no true banks, encompasses all
A country, a planet, may seem large
Next to the Tao
A fish to its river is immense
All claimed territory is but small-fry
Would you seek dominance over a spawning
Look to control its movement
Or allow it to travel as nature calls
Offering aid only when flow is blocked
Trusting when the times is right
Nature sees to incarnated demise
The Tao sees to spiritual eternity
Push and pull; you create fight
Manipulate where you need not
You create confusion
Rule with a tight-fist
Strangle life
You serve the Tao
When you do little to prevent its flow
