Prayer

Echo of the clocktower, footstep

In the alleyway, sweep

Of the wind sifting the leaves

Jeweller of the spiderweb, connoisseur

Of autumn's opulence, blade of lightning

Harvesting the sky

Keeper of the small gate, choreographer

Of entrances and exits, midnight

Whisper traveling the wires

Seducer, healer, deity or thief

I will see you soon enough—

In the shadow of the rainfall

In the brief violet darkening a sunset—

But until then I pray watch over him

As a mountain guards its covert ore

And the harsh falcon its flightless young