For Wang Wei, Li Bai and Du Fu...

I

for Wang Wei…After Deer Park

Light fades, only the sound of the crowds remain,

traffic on Beach Boulevard, the honorable sushi guests

overtake the crashing waves in strains,

a cacophony of noise made, while purity of vision rests.

Cape Town

II

After Wang Wei…Birdsong Book

He talks on his mobile phone

while all around him is God

So much consciousness –

lovers on the beach –

a sailboat passes by –

couples walk hand in hand

surfers are downed by waves

in every human being – a full life exists.

III

After Wang Wei – Autumn Nightfall..

The lighthouse stands empty,

silent along beach boulevard at sunset.

Only my loneliness is loud,

as the restaurant where I sit writing.

Suddenly, a green light goes on

in the lighthouse turret

and I notice an attractive woman alone.

The twilight burns with wonder.

IV

 

After Li Bai – off to Yangzhou

I know you have said goodbye

yet – the sorrow is still mine

to caress – to love – to hold

until it is all a dream.

and the sake is gone -

then I go home alone in sadness.

V

 

For Li Bai…Listening to a Monk from Shu Playing the Lute

I will get drunk tonight on sake –

and celebrate our years together

now finished

watch the ocean go black and gray

here on the southern most continent of Africa.

I will kiss you goodbye -

and think myself to sleep.

VI

After Du Fu…A Fine Lady…in Cape Town.

It’s black night -

as my heart is dark this night.

my last in Cape Town.

as once, sometime long ago my

heart was full of hope –

not now –

night is watching

and the sea stretches out

like eternity.

J.E. Dorsey – aka Doug Claybourne

Copyright © 2005. 2012. Doug Claybourne All Rights Reserved.