Li Po Eating Raw Oysters, Drinking Wine Poem by James McLain

Beneath the moon's pale gleam, I sit alone,
The sea's cool breath weaving through my robes.
Upon my lips, the ocean's secrets flow—
Each oyster a pearl of the world untold.

Their brine whispers of the tides' long song,
Of ships lost, of lovers waiting in vain.
A sip of wine softens the sea's harsh kiss,
Its fire dancing where salt once reigned.

Oh, life is fleeting, like white foam on the crest of green waves,
But here I linger, a guest in deep sleep.
Wine and shell, the night's treasures, I keep,
And toast the stars, in there bare silver light.

Who needs tomorrow when tonight is this sweet?
The sea, the wine, and the world at my feet.