river

dawn of an orchid sky

flowing through dreams of petal rain

cerulean chant of birches

bowing to zephyr wind

subsiding into an inland sea of silver flames

embraced by wistful wildflowers

stream of gentle salt, myrrh and golden domes

giving life to colours sleeping in desert sand

incense of chamomiles in ancient walls

seer of magic, painter of soulscapes

benevolent orchard beneath a truthful constellation

where elanor and niphredil

still find a home.

(for Yelena)

Autumn's demise

In this enclosed valley

with serene view of sea
filled to the brim
with autumn's golden light

My heart was led to your well
deep as the ocean's blue
source of the brightest flower
in all lands far and wide

Into its depth I gazed
into its purest shine
beheld a river flowing
beneath the moon's reflection

A song rang in the river's rush
spun of a glistening silver yarn
entwined with black from ancient caves
from where the waters fled

Into the meadows mild
into the sunlit bloom
into the flower-scented pool
beneath a dream of shielding leaves.

Night came, and boreal wind approached
clouds hid fair lunar face
swept leaves and flowers towards sea

The pool lies bare beside a naked tree
with view of pewter sea
lit by a slice of moon
upon a raft of leaves.


(for D.)

   ❧

Avishai Cohen - Live in Leverkusen 2009