My eyes unfocused used to peer

Past droning highways’ woven ways,

Past curving roads which disappear

Into a blue forgotten haze.

My mind unbridled used to dream

Of jasmine, jade and amethyst,

Of glass and onyx crystal streams

Imbued with fragrant ambergris.

Yet once beneath the shade I lay,

Alone and spent, in filthy sweat,

No will to stir, to sleep, to pray;

Hushed by fear, by crushing regret.

With fevered thoughts, my mind did brood,

Thru stifled air and reckless heat:

No pain, no sting could I elude,

A victim of my own deceit.

Still, clear above, I grew aware,

A faceless wind, a smooth embrace,

A peaceful bliss was gifted there,

With floating, mellow, silent grace.

Suspended by some drifting daze,

Dipping slightly with the breeze,

Dipping toward my vacant gaze:

A willow’s vaguely rhythmic ease.