First Curtain

the sky fell down

in pearlescent sheens

glowing peach and pink

the color of a rose blush

and quiet happiness

achieved from the first breeze

of the new year curling

through asymmetrical tails

it was a long time coming

i breathe and the moment passes me by

it all flows by under the guise of darkness

and i think i am alone in the night

on the shore of the wide river

watching the black water run smooth

over stones that have been long eroded

just like my soul

little lights appear in the dark

lanterns bring warmth to the faces of my friends

i was wrong; i am not alone

we stand together connected through abstract bonds

and watch the minutes flow by

the thunder breaks and the sky splits open

the birth of a new year is momentous this time

but i am tired and i am with friends

so instead of going outside to watch the clouds

i crawl back into bed and sleep

under the warmth of invisible fireworks

and the candles of gentle souls

tradition compels me

it is woven

into the filaments of my skin

lingers in the creases

of the corners of hazy eyes

this is a memory

that cannot be forgotten

passed on like a torch

from the people

who no longer walk

this world but they live on

in the folds of my heart

and in the echo of my footsteps

and in the bubbling of water as we gather

around the stove we are whole like moon and this

will not be forgotten