Poems

IN THE GARDEN OF YU

A thousand goldfish radiate in the pool before
The Hall of the Jade Mountain; then spin towards the bread you've
  thrown
Packing themselves in deep below the rose stone. On the Bridge
Of Nine Corners thin shadows hover, carved in bone,
Smoke grey and cloud pink. Stepping through the Dragon Door,
You feel the garden remaking itself round you, each delicate edge
Adjusted in the Hall of Perfect Harmony; I can place you
In a myriad settings, moving from one intricate teak lattice
To another. In the Hall of the Three Ears of Grain
There are antlers, and each chair is a crimson sculpted chalice
To hold you, poised. Tiny floating trees, misted with blue,
Are your attendants; ripples in the pathways and the scrolled
  woods stain
Deferentially record your every movement. When you stop,
...