Li Ho

Li Ho

Beyond the River of Silver,
past the bright full Moon--
a cloud, white as a ghost,
blows the Celestial Wind.

Out of the "White Dawn,"
a Unicorn flies on the storm.
A golden steed reflecting
the light of the Sun.
A mane flowing like golden silk,
hoof-beats like thunder,
flashes of purple lightning.
Green eyes--brilliant as the stars.

Out of the black Sunset,
a Dragon flies on the storm.
Uncoiled, bright hot red.
Teeth pointed and sharp.
Red flames and terrible claws,
cutting thru the heavens,
horns slashing like a sword.
Yellow eyes--brilliant as the Sun.

The White Rabbit on the Moon
spins the dark side around,
an omniscient view--
behind a silhouette of stars.

The Two Ancients fight for one full day.
The sky is filled with smoke and fire.
The Unicorn screams--mortally wounded.
The heavens are silent,
as the Unicorn falls to the earth.

A battle fought long ago,
when the world was still young.
Who remembers once upon a time?

A mystery, now old,
lies silent in the barren desert--
as "the bones of a brave steed
crack in the west wind."

                                      from "Whistling Past the Graveyard"