Moments

In languid moments while the chill of tepid hours

fills the auric space like thunder

sometimes will pour itself

                                    into the corners of the wind

                                                I think of you.

 

Madonna of the midnight hours,

            come morning you yet rest in my embrace

                        like the lotus known as Lily

                                    will ensconce herself in a watery place.

 

Yes, I am like the ocean, deep,

            dark, and moving - and in my embrace

                        you are like seaweed dancing

              tracing infinitely gracious forms.

I inhale the northern breeze

            as my upraised fingers follow Apollo

                         for he rattles heaven’s kingdom

                 and though the glow be slow yet leaves

         the rolling clouds behind him.

                 Behold, they scatter like so many sheep,

                        or rather like shapeless mysteries,

            like silver crafted purses that can pour

                         a shower of jewels on desert sheiks

                                     leading thirsty camels below.

 

Your silky touch and your ivory crested grace

            adorn my hours too,

Sweet hours these I spend with you, oh Eastern beauty.

Stronger than Saki* is the wine of love, yet sunsets bubble

                        Into crystal mornings awake with you.

There is a finesse about you I cannot describe,

            it’s as if to try and map the motion of sun and wind,

                        or capture forever the arc of the goldsmith’s hammer.

What Great Architect was it that shaped your sky-kissed eyes?

What universal music is that I hear in your happy eyes?

Tell me who shaped your footstep’s magic pattern,

                        and who was it who in a whisper called you Princess?

 

Stay silent but for a moment, Love, let not today go now

            without your passionate kiss touching the edge of forever.

I hold you with a kiss and the unspoken vow,

            as we enfold and hold each other in cradled lock

            feels firmer than when the windy palm tree clenches rock.

 

Vicente Reyes

December 12, 2002

 

*from 1687 A. D., Saki is a strong Japanese wine.

 

Internet source: http://www.thepoetsdiary.com/ 

©2002 For the World by Vicente Reyes, All Rights Reserved

First North American Serial Rights Available

e-mail vicentereyes@yahoo.com 

May be reprinted freely for personal review or academic discussion