Passing Time
Portentous then at the decline of dynasty
In the repeating circle of Chinese time
But merely emblematic now in our timelines
A yellow meteor briefly burns
Above the fertile hill
A harvesters' moon, the last of the year,
Draws
Charcoal shadows from the clustered trees
It is hard to picture her still
When the moonlight and shadow on her face
Chase as rapidly as cloud
Her hair a plume of smoke
Her features fleeting
The spark of her eyes
Briefly flashing green
Below the sleeping hill
© John Mackie, Easter Tomloan Farmhouse, November 4th 2009
