The sunbird sits

on the bare branches

of a winters tree

and reads a book

devoted to the clay fields

where the itinerants now rest

cared for by the decendents

of clockmakers

who once created time

but do so no more.

 

When the comet moon passes

an orchestra will play on its tail

and the day will begin

under the trees

where a sunbird now sleeps.

 

In the shadows of this river

Kingfishers will swim in formation

and search for sunspots

that are collected by clocks

as alms for the dead

who spend their years

counting the days

of the sunbird.

 

 

1982