Tethered

tethered to the sky
a temple glides
with golden koi

– – –

Photo: YuYuan Garden, Shanghai, China, c.b.w. 2005
Words: c.b.w. 2015

Open Passage

In the rubble
a covered path
Lost to shadows
living as ghosts

An open passage
hopes for a time
Light chases dark,
and starts a fire

Around the curve
such spirit waits
On hidden wings
anxious to fly

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Photo: Doorway at YuYuan Gardens, Shanghai, China, 2005
Words: c.b.w. 2015

Sculpted soul
cast in stone
Swallowed whole
cursed by vines

Tender leaves
grow and grow
Without malice
wrap and turn

Peering through
fate’s window
The shield caves
to nature’s way

– – –

Photo: Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China, c.b.w. 2005
Words: c.b.w. 2014

Dragon’s mouth,
secret path
Broken teeth,
docile eye
Placid scales,
gilded horns
Hidden wings
lie unfurled
Catch the wind,
bask in flight

– – –

Photo: Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China, c.b.w. 2005
Words: c.b.w. 2014

Forever bitter,
pride’s namesake river
War’s interpreter,
maladies linger

Behind grace’s killer,
shades of night shiver
Battlefield murder,
the serpent’s finger

Architecture detail, YuYuan Gardens, Shanghai, China
Photograph (2005) and words (2013) by: c.b.w.

– – –

c.b.w. 2013