Junlado Maiden

Beneath sullied cloth, hastily covered
chain of seashells nestled
soundless, threads of an old story.
Your eyes, beneath lashes that catch
snow—I see the deep blue
sea of Junlado, 
waves shining grey before the setting sun.
What are you doing here in the frozen north?
You came from seashores
cherry blossoms raining upon 
your brown upturned face
dreaming of another world, you beautiful fool.
There is no other world when we
all suffer beneath endless winter. 
Pity, a sweet face lined and streaked;
I watch it as you pour wine.
I, merely a wanderer
in rags, as we all are.
But I am strong, dear child.
Let me not see those purest tears
forming, unforming within
sinless eyes—
what are you doing here?
Go back
Go back to your land. 
Swim, there, forget, in the bluegrey 
Let joyful pearls make pure a salty sea.
We all suffer, but
you
at least 
deserve to go back.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Gi-Sa Avatar
November 20, 2017 at 3:14 PM
This one spoke to me so much Grace, especially a person being long away from a familiar "homeland" such as myself related.
A  Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 6:53 PM
Epic
Brown Avatar
August 9, 2011 at 8:15 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being once again featured this week before the final round of the PoetrySoup International Poetry Contest Grace. The best to you in the contest. Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
August 8, 2011 at 2:21 PM
Congrats Grace on your featured poem this week on PS.. a wonderful write to share with luv..and another big congrats on having it make it to first round competition in PS contest..G.L. luv..
Brown Avatar
August 3, 2011 at 9:04 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through round one in the PoetrySoup International Poetry contest Grace. I wish you the best in the final round. Love, Carol
Dietrich Avatar
September 13, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Grace, I was reviewing my fav poet list and noticed your name and how I'd not seen you in a while. where have you been, lady? This is very nice. Luv, Andrea
Devonshire Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 10:24 AM
What a beautiful and insightful story told in verse, Grace. She leaves the sunny coasts and travels north to face the harsh ravages of cold weather. I love the way you send her home to the sea saying, "You at least deserve to go back." You have a very eloquent writing style. This is a magical and meaningful poem! Love, Carolyn
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