broken doll in the nightpool
by Lake Rain Vajra
in the moonlight i wander,
watching the shadows for you.
black gardens beckon and sway
as i enter
the mutes at the black-bowered gate
reach pale arms to hold me
i gather blood-root and rain lily,
purple nightshade hidden among the dead nettle,
silvery lupine like candle-fire in the grasses.
fallen to knees i call for you,
a night-long prayer soft sung on the garden floor,
till the darkness of the hour, shimmers brighter.
shall my knees grow weary of their supplicant perch
as i draw out this pyre for you...ravaged in the night
let me anoint you with gentle hymns.
silken gown of tresses,
over pale shoulders bared, there fall,
with my glances and kisses.
fingertips cool on velvet thighs -
pale serpents encircling that blackness
between night and dawn.
fiery angel descend,
let your silken wings surround me.
promise me that dark rapture from your wrists,
to take the communion wine.
ravens circle the windowsill,
diving for the corn-husk rag doll leaning there.
unblinking eyes staring after you,
awaiting the arabesque of your step.
then dropped in the nightpool.
on bare knees i search the black-bottomed pool.
i search for your eyes and find there the doll,
glaring up from the depths.
mute.
her sudden eyes glittering through the emptiness:
two looking glasses, broken, reflecting my face:
distant distorted unreal.
1993
| 