Po Chu-I

Po Chu-I

A long time ago,
"A thousand ancient forevers gone."

Exiled to Lu Mountain,
beyond the Empty Gate,
where the Void begins,
edge of the Eternal View.

Mystic mountain
covered by clouds.
Cicada's enchanted song
reflected in the immortal Moon.

The Moon followed for 1000 miles
as you walked the Jade Staircase
to the Celestial Palace,
encircled by Pagoda trees.

Close your eyes with age and sleep.
A sleep of 10,000 years.
"White hair means a unlived,
a death too young."

36 peaks stand alone today.
No one goes there anymore.

                                     from "Whistling Past the Graveyard"