Moon-Dancer - Li Po (A Lament) Poem by R. H. Peat

Moon-Dancer - Li Po
(A Lament)

With a black-spoon wrinkle
He dips his oars
Wavy white hair rippling
Dancing upon the waters

Drifting away
Silently down stream

He says: To the moth fluttering
Silk night
'Flickerings—
I am—
Walking in the moonlight'

Then drunk He laughs
A banished immortal's laugh

Reflection near his boat-edge
Bow full of stars

The moon spinning all alone
Dressed in silver Flowing gown
He knows
She needs a dance partner

Reaching out in renewal
He steps in
Cuts in upon the heavens
Returning to that celestial
Watershed

Dreaming of her embrace
Drowning in her arms
He kisses
Her illusive moon-face

And sighs A deep deep sigh

Falling
Asleep in that moonlight


Notes:
© RH Peat 1999
Form: Free Verse - Beat Poetry Form
with 9 fractured stanzas,31 lines
Published: Pudding House Publications 2002
Anthology title: 'Fresh Water: Poems: From
The rivers, lakes, and streams' Pg.133