Court Lady Standing Under Cherry Tree

She is an iris,

Dark purple, pale rose,

Under the gnarled boughs

That shatter their stars of bloom.

She waves delicately

With the movement of the tree.

Of what is she dreaming?

Of long nights lit with orange lanterns,

Of wine cups and compliments and kisses of the two-sword men.

And of dawn when weary sleepers

Lie outstretched on the mats of the palace,

And of the iris stalk that is broken in the fountain.

[24]

[24]

 Court Lady Standing Under a Plum Tree

Autumn winds roll through the dry leaves

On her garments;

Autumn birds shiver

Athwart star-hung skies.

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