For the Master Alchemist

The tailor cut the sunset clouds

to get your gown so red

Incense trails

through embroidered curtain

Lotus flowers float for you

bright in the rippled water

Spring has draped all the hills and lakes

in a fine green cloth

Stop! Listen to the birds –

like girls singing

Uncage that crane

let it fly free

Dawn comes to the temple hall

nudging us from sleep

Still damp from the sprinkle of last night’s rain