When the Rainbow Graced the Sky

I

(An earlier version of this poem has been published in the anthology ‘

Desde Hong Kong: Poets in conversation with Octavio Paz’,)

Written in response to Octavio Paz' poem 'As one listens to the rain'.

The rain abandons its sheet of glaze

taking with it the mist, drizzle, steam—-

and you.

The sky boasts now a waterfall of hues,

a palette of warm feelings.

I look at the trees as they await the approaching darkness.

It was there, where I perceived the gentle step 

of a flower.

The storm had moved from the clouds above

to rest within myself 

after you crossed that road,

walked into my life.

Time and sorrow evaporated, 

droplets of joy heated my heart,

the steam of pleasure possessed my body

in a carousel of give and take.

The window, scared by the banging panels,

suddenly shuddered,

as you stopped talking and listening 

to the raindrops,

as you left from the main door.

Your hair abandoned my pillow.

Your body printed a mark on the bed sheets.

Years, months and days

muttered words of ice.

The cascading colours still flash their beauty 

to the dying day.

And the empty terrace cradles my soul.

Your beauty is frozen in time,

and whispers words of rain.