In Rockwood Park (Haibun #9) Poem by GORDON GILHULY

August flowers by
the path - the emperor's new
clothes herald his death

Sitting quietly, I watch the end of summer slide gracefully into her short evening gown, glowing hues muted by the delicate shawl pulled on to ward off cooler nights, the changing slant of the sun. This is a slow beauty, changed but not diminished by the ordained journey. Bees, still on their sweet mission, lumber from purple loosestrife to lupine with the lazy steps of fed gods. A monarch lands on some milkweed, waves his wings slowly as though pumping nectar out by wing power. In the trees, the wind murmurs Leonard Cohen songs, softly, huskily. Songs of ending, loss, of discovering new beauty deep beneath the old.

Then, you, my love, beside me. Your new beauty: a few grey hairs bravely venturing forth, defiant against the dictates of chemicals; teddy-bear sweaters morning and evening; the few extra pounds you jokingly say are winter's larder, a buffer against the long, cold nights approaching. The exquisite spring fondly remembered but now we have reached the essence of artistry: a profound elegance that takes holds my awed breath in thrall, even as the light changes, fades.

I have been in this dream before. Not this place, not this life-time but I remember these colours, these songs. I know where the journey leads.

such a long voyage:
returning home - my old friend
waiting by the door