SPRING NIGHT IN THE CHANCELLERY

Flower-shaded palace walls darken further at dusk.

Chirping birds pass by, heading to a perch for the night.

The stars appear, looking down on city and palace.

The moon ascends, shining brighter into the heavens.

Sleepless, I conjure arrivals in the sounds of the wind:

golden keys turning, jade pendants jangling on bridles.

I have a report to give at the dawn audience.

Again and again, I check the progress of the night.