Nocturne of the Orient

Nocturne of The Orient I woke upon a winter’s morn, To find that summer had long gone. And simpler games of summer days Have turned to chess--where I’m a pawn. I feel my heart where it was torn-- As sharp of edge as with a knife-- And know that I have lost the ways That sheltered me from winter’s strife. And where were you my summer song? When I awoke no more to hear Your graceful melody of care Float gently ‘round and fill my ear With essence, pure! Still lingered long, Your heartfelt tune of life and loss-- To close my eyes would see you there; An ancient soul of yin* and joss.** Though shorn from life, my sweetest dreams Still come to me when dusk brings sleep. That little death that brings release, While still I slumber dark and deep, And rends my night upon its seams, When wondrous sights I do behold-- That bring at last my soul some peace, And chase out much of winter’s cold. © Copyright 2013 Shawn H. Hall - All Rights Reserved *yin - the feminine passive principle in nature that in Chinese cosmology is exhibited in darkness, cold, or wetness and that combines with yang to produce all that comes to be. Hence, yin=Femininity, and yang=masculinity. **joss - a Chinese idol (or roughly, a deity). AKA, Spirituality Thus, an ancient soul of femininity and spirituality.