leisurely the narrow path
winds through
glossy green fern beds
birch groves papery pink and white
pine woods thick with golden whispers
deep within hidden
amongst tall trees
lies a place of dreams:
a secret heart open to the sun
murmuring brooks glint silver;
smooth warm stones edge, encircle
the lotus-blossomed pool splashed
with touches of blue flag and cattails
silken wind strokes the pines . . .
love, luscious love
thrills the air with scents
of honeysuckle and rose
and the liquid outpourings
of an impassioned oriole
in wonder we enter
the secluded garden resplendent
with purple plum, passion flower
and ripe peaches pendant
on a heavy-laden tree
savour firm, moist golden flesh
plump, juicy blackberries
sweet with summer wine
softly, doves coo; softly . . .
From MOON SPIRIT: Love Poems of a Mated Woman (Tierceron Press 1998)
