Tanka by Paul Smith

 

 

shadows lengthen

 

then disappear

 

into the night

 

this unquenchable

 

longing for you

 

 

*****

 

 

flowing in through

 

the open window

 

moonlight

 

takes its place

 

at the heart of my dreams

 

 

*****

 

 

beneath a crescent moon

 

I cradle you

 

in my heart

 

you who grew so fast

 

who flew so far

 

 

*****

 

 

the way these trees enfold me

 

in this half light

 

remembering those nights we shared

 

when all was well

 

and nothing lay between us

 

*****