Lobocraspis Griseifusa

13 November 2013

Ted Kooser

This is the tiny moth who lives on tears,
who drinks like a deer at the gleaming pool
at the edge of the sleeper’s eye, the touch
of its mouth as light as a cloud’s reflection.

In your dream, a moonlit figure appears
at your bedside and touches your face.
He asks if he might share the poor bread
of your sorrow. You show him the table.

The two of you talk long into the night,
but by morning the words are forgotten.
You awaken serene, in a sunny room,
rubbing the dust of his wings from your eyes.

 

From Delights & Shadows,  Poems by Ted Kooser, 2004

More works by Ted Kooser, United States  Poet Laureate, 2004-2006

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