QUIET NIGHT THOUGHT (a reinterpretation)



Upstairs, my moon-bright bed is lit

with frosty questions on a silver sheet

I look up to watch her beaming face;

lie down my dreams in this sad place.



after Li Bai (701 – 762)

x.2017

STATUS UPDATE

I used to be window, now see only walls.

I listened for traffic, now hear only screams.

Things are not what they were.

 

I lived in a cell, now camp on the floor.

Once was high riser, now blackened cracked tooth.

Things are not what they were.

 

I didn’t stay put. I opened my door.

My landing had notice: no cyanide mentioned.

Things are not what they were.

 

I used to be stairwell, now am ground water.

I wanted confession, got wringing of hands.

Things are not what they were.

 

A used-to-be person, I’ll now be memorial.

I was unheard but won’t remain silent.

Things are just as they were.