FLOWERING TREE

Flowering Tree

     --after Xi Murong

How to arrange us to meet 

at my most auspicious time 

was all my prayer. 

For 500 years 

I prayed for our romance. 

Buddha turned me into a tree 

and I grew along your every path. 

I stood in full bloom in sunlight, 

every flower clutching the seed of my desire. 

When you came near,

would you pay me heed? 

My leaves fluttered in waiting zeal. 

But you walked by 

without taking notice. 

My friend. 

That artifact on the ground 

is no fallen petal 

but a withered heart.

-tr. Duane Vorhees