Caroling Dusk/Tanka I—VIII

by Lewis Grandison Alexander

TANKA I—VIII

I

Could I but retraceThe winding stairs fate built me.They fell from my feet.Now I stand on the high round.Down beneath height above depth—

II

Through the eyes of lifeI looked in at my own heart:A long furrowed fieldGrown cement waiting for seedBaking in desolation.

III

Drink in moods of joy!Why should the sky be lonely?Neither sun nor moon—How my heart is shy of nightLike Autumn’s leaf brown pendants.

IV

Cold against the skyThe blue jays cried at dawning.The larks where are they?Heavily upon the airMy ears tuned in to listen.

V

So this is the reed?The very pipes for singing—Life plays me new songs.Wistfully from out the dawnThe crows broke across the sky!

VI

And now Spring has comeBlossoming up my garden.I alone unchanged.Moving in my house of Autumn.One leaf alone saves a tree.

VII

By the pool of lifeWillows are drooping tonightI can see no stars.What dances in the water?O my clouds dripping with tears.

VIII

Could I hear your voiceO but this silence is sweetWords mar all beauty.Turn then into your own heartAnd pluck the roots from the soil—