September 14th Poem by Dosvedanya Rashia

Do you recall?
That time a year ago.
When happiness for a brief time
visited you and I?

As we sat together drinking tea
with spirits unburdened
The night calm, a riverside, as automn began
and summer waned

Perhaps my life has gone around
Like a dragon boat with too few paddles
On one side. For where I once sipped
Sweet blackberry wine,

Now I press against
my lips the bitter regrets
that the experience of joy leaves
after it has departed