After Death

As moon hidden by morning
as water enters earth
as the blossom’s beauty quivers
falling from the fruit within
as night embraces effaces erases light
and light
being diminished or absent
speaks only in dream
I went to the river saying,
River,
here are my voices.
Return them to the sea.

After death—
I entered River’s mind
and River’s song
which fills the twilight
replaced the sun.

After death—
seeing through River’s eye
knowing night by many names
I journeyed far to reach and kiss
the pulse of earth and sea.

Returning—
new mind
a spring rain
slowly descending black bark trees.

Returning—
young among the old
new moon asleep on the sea.

Returning—
I moor my ship
upon the wind’s voice.


asha