28

Gracious Networks
(after Li Ho)

seated on the terrace
as the stars plummet
into the darkening pool

an unidentified figure
sips from a glass
mid-life slips away

migrant birds proclaim
change hibiscus blossoms
bleed into the soil

long neglect lies ahead
but certain words
never quite forgotten

<<<

39

I raised my glass and
of that season's smell
darker than pansies
musk and incense
I have drowsed off

into infatuation
a box of worn shoes
easing off the lid
he has since prospered
he is interior decoration