RING AND DAGGER

Autumn has raised its dais of gold
And spoken its decree -- “Gloom!”
Earlier, I’d decked your road with gold
To greet you with the bloom of spring.

Autumn has arrayed its golden rings
Anointing the air with… clear bias --
Lighting a lantern at a corner of the sky,
Piling fog, mist and cloud at another.

Autumn has raised its dais of gold
Setting its teeming tresses free.
It has stuck a dagger in the sun’s chest,
Flecking winter’s bright white with red…

* * *

Come spring, there will be good cheer,
Breeze and brook will simmer and sing.
A cracked goblet will thirst for wine,
And a woman’s hand will covet a ring…

Varand
Translated By: Tatul Sonentz