Harvest Moon October 2001

Finally, as lovers similar in
thought and breath these two made a vow within
the moon's light reflected off the river.
They shared a plum. They set a formation
of stones to elucidate their return.
One sough out sunrise. One sought out sunset.

But, jealousy scratched a curse into two
trees. Each leaf represents a year before
the lovers find the lighted paths home. Leaves
falling from these mottling trees turn away.
Cubs scratch lightly at the marks. With sustained
strength the wind lifts rocks to efface the curse.

And, sometimes she writes words she never speaks.
Sometimes, she waits for words she never hears.