the white plain --
an unseen hand
smooths its lines
but not its winters.
a scent lingers
salty
tones with fresh earth
spring mud
the sweat on his belly
the sandalwood
on the high arch
of her feet

and now.
a white crescent
curls into a cat
in the imprint of her back

open palms
offer alms to the full moon
soft lips their prayers
to an afternoon
of absence