No More Learning

Set an hour when I may come
Or remain silent.


V

In the ghostly dawn
I write new words for your ears--
Even now you sleep.


VI

This then is morning.
Have you no comfort for me
Cold-colored flowers?


VII

My eyes are weary
Following you everywhere.
Short, oh short, the days!


VIII

When the flower falls
The leaf is no more cherished.
Every day I fear.


IX

Even when you smile
Sorrow is behind your eyes.
Pity me, therefore.


X

Laugh--it is nothing.
To others you may seem gay,
I watch with grieved eyes.


XI

Take it, this white rose.
Stems of roses do not bleed;
Your fingers are safe.


XII

As a river-wind
Hurling clouds at a bright moon,
So am I to you.
XIII

Watching the iris,
The faint and fragile petals--
How am I worthy?


XIV

Down a red river
I drift in a broken skiff.
Are you then so brave?


XV

Night lies beside me
Chaste and cold as a sharp sword.
It and I alone.


XVI

Last night it rained.
Now, in the desolate dawn,
Crying of blue jays.


XVII

Foolish so to grieve,
Autumn has its colored leaves--
But before they turn?


XVIII

Afterwards I think:
Poppies bloom when it thunders.
Is this not enough?


XIX

Love is a game--yes?
I think it is a drowning:
Black willows and stars.


XX

When the aster fades
The creeper flaunts in crimson.
Always another!


XXI

Turning from the page,
Blind with a night of labor,
I hear morning crows.


XXII

A cloud of lilies,
Or else you walk before me.