A Moment of Rest

Let us dine on sugar-spun moonlight: an exquisite treat that Fills our bellies and sticks to our teeth, The nostalgic taste of White Rabbit candy, Creamily sweet, wrapped in rice paper. We shall be weightless, infinite, Childish for once. Regret not, my friend, for the breeze is soft tonight As the universe exhales sweetly. It is a blissful world, Yet it has been unkind to you. But you were meant to sweep dried rice across The tiled floor, to wear red shoes that crimp your toes, To lose a lover in spite of your brilliance – because of your brilliance, For your lean eyes and dark hair, Chopped bean curd and chicken feet, Are an otherness all combined: too pungent To be delicate, yet too commonplace to be desired. You were meant to curse yourself, blame yourself, Crushed by guilt, so that every breath, every dream becomes half The splendor it was before. Regret not those dark days, for you’ve traveled far, Each mistake casting a warm glow over The untrodden path your mother failed to see As she crossed the ocean. They have strengthened you, Weakened you to the right consistency. You can stretch without cracking And harden with fire, a regal teapot Born of humble zisha sand and water. Relax, my dear, for I know you are tired. Let us pause before daybreak, For we were meant to stop here to catch our breath, Under the wise willow tree, And watch the nightingale glide by.