There Are Not Many Kingdoms Left

I write the lips of the moon upon her shoulders. In a

temple of silvery farawayness I guard her to rest.

 For her bed I write a stillness over all the swans of the

world. With the morning breath of the snow leopard I

cover her against any hurt.

 Using the pen of rivers and mountaintops I store her

pillow with singing.

 Upon her hair I write the looking of the heavens at

early morning.

 — Away from this kingdom, from this last undefiled

place, I would keep our governments, our civilization, and

all other spirit-forsaken and corrupt institutions.

 O cold beautiful blossoms of the moon moving upon

her shoulders . . . the lips of the moon moving there . . .

where the touch of any other lips would be a profanation.