After the Beginning of Winter

After the beginning of winter By Stina lu As winter comes I can't make myself heard A cold west wind bumped against my voice And broke it into pieces The tonsils are red like lanterns Hanging up on the throat They are welcoming the guests from the far north Who crossed the high mountains and waded the deep rivers to seal the southerner’s mouth with a sword It's not a good time anymore to sing of the pretty moon or enjoy the outdoor air The sun closes its rays and hides himself behind the rains In this stormy day I’d better make a pot of hot tea To treat and chat with the winter like old longtime-no-see friends Or read a book of Percy Shelley With silent humility 2017.11.10