Gems

The pearl meant
to be inside
the shell, there
it hangs now
at the end of a branch.
& the plum
to dangle in its place
a gem now
guarded by giant
devilfish.

This must be how
to wither
in desire.
Everything
out of place
where the mind
has once placed.

The darkened gem
in the ocean, turned
seed & flesh, O, decaying now!
& the gem
to be picked, there, white
& heavy now, even
as it glistens in the sun.

The ruthless
surprise, now
rice grains dried
under midday sun.
& the gift
for the coming
storm, stains
from last night, water
& oil.

& yet what is lost
if they all change
places, a gem
with another gem—
like plague
dancing
merely in circles.

Withering,
no longer desire.

Turn
the reachable plum
to unfathomable
pearl.

Desire
let ablaze,
perhaps overrun.
Letting go, losing away,
madness
in monsoon rain.

& only more madness
must once more
desire wilden.