hovering above
it sings
and spring erupts
down come walls
of gloom
of despair
a harbinger
of good tidings
waking at dawn
lighting the earth
fields flourish
flowers sprout
and hope
yes hope
fills the air
hope
a young woman runs: for Aliona & Bucks
the sun overhead
heating the world
this autumn day
a young woman runs
her dog at her heels
her long blonde hair
pulled back
in a ponytail
bouncing in rhythm
to her strides
the dog lets out cries
twirling with joy
as they run
one afternoon receding
as another begins
bringing hope
to this old heart
that a new day
is not just coming
but is already here
a variation on Mei Yao-ch’en for Qiaoen traveling in China: this little boat
this little boat
out to sea
and you
sitting on a cushion
on the deck
your almost naked body
basking in the sun
a hand cupping breast
your uplifted face
open to the light
awaits the morning
in answer to Su Tung-p’o new year’s wish: no holding on
there is no holding on
to the night before
dawn breaks
as dawn always does
and we find another year
has passed beyond our grip
older, yes
wiser, maybe
but facing another year
long as before
with whatever hope
we can muster
to get through
all the nights
and dawns
ahead
oh little boat
have courage
oh little boat
riding the current
on this raging river
heading out
to sea
from an image in a poem of Liu Tsung-yuan: puny wings
these weary arms
are like puny wings
flapping ceaselessly
in a vain attempt
to reach heaven
following Li Shang-yin’s bluebird
there the path
there that bird
that leads the way
oh to follow
over brambles through bush
a clear sky overhead
and hope residing
in these weary bones
in this worn heart
that new horizon
rain rain
wash away
the dust from my clothes
the dust clinging still
to my eyes
let me walk clean
toward that new horizon
I see
anticipation
the morning
holds promise
that the night
can fulfill
limping along
between joy
and despair
stands hope
limping along
toward tomorrow
Leonard Durso 