On a day,
Gray-eyed,
Songless
As an unsettled fairy
Of the mountain,
Her hair
Caught in a half-done braid,
What do the shadows portend,
Pale
In the misted wind?
As light
Falls, the dragon
At the far end
Of the shale
Outcrop
Of the night
By the undawning retreat
Of his lair,
Paces, his wide
Paws restless.
But nevermind,
The lilies shine,
Where lapping waters linger
At the bend
In the gold river
Where the glad, brave feet
Of the spotted towhee
Dance,
Moonlight
On his wings,
And hop
From rock to silver rock, wise,
And undismayed.
And beyond, before the sun
Can rise,
Rings of rain
Crown
The hallowed head of the raven
Who walks through the town
Of clouds, child-mists in train,
Radiant king of all things.
Written September 5, 2011
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