Paradise Reaper

Carrie Chang

Knight me

With stalks of water-lily,

And apostrophes of grace,

Let the tse tse flies

Be the guidance to a

Shy, and courtly face;

Let primitive light dance

Like a water-hose

On my sandals,

Leaving extra-time

For that kiss; let

Demons heave

And ho, under

Blue russet leaves,

if love gives rise

To this; let subway

Sounds anoint thy

Head, let autumn

Wheels

Speak for the dead,

Round and round,

Without much sound