Fox Footprints/Prayer

by Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth

For works with similar titles, see Prayer.

Prayer

The little gate opens from the dragon gardenInto the smoky darkness of the templeLit by the red wax tapers' swaying flames.The air is heavy with the incenseBurned before the painted images of the gods.In the bronze brazier I too shall burn my offering—Silver paper for the spirits of the falling peach blossoms.