Woman Song

Woman Song

I wouldn’t know how to greet you
My knees are roughened
by kneeling before you
I wish that I could turn
away from your touch
I want to know your distance
to know distance.

I know only desire
wanting
and waiting
I walk in darkness
the hot sun is memory
waiting your coming
but distance is too great
and the ancient vessel
is lost.

I hear the trumpeting
of the long-necked swan
but where you go
I cannot follow
I have no offering
You are resting
on another island.

Your silence
betrays me