Mai Stirring

The scholar rolls his shoulders,

Raises his creased brow past candle

To the window, that he might regard her once again,

Causing the carefully curated pages to spill from his lap

She stirs. Feet firmly pressed into the earth, knees deeply bent, she balances there

Over a low fire. She seems to him as sturdy as the bamboo bridge of Hoi An

He counts five as she seasons the measure of each element into the clay vessel:

Mouthing the simple words for fire, water, earth, metal and wood

Stirring again, each grain of rice surrendering to her unhurried hand

To break. To bloom.

Like the lotus of her bearing

He discerns

Lá lành ðùm lá rách

The green leaf covers the broken one

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the pace of the poetry. Create steps and visions for the reader to gather. Joli, you made the reader feel the words and thoughts. I like to cook myself. Nice when we create things to eat with calmness. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry. I did enjoy.
Coyote

[Joli Dy]

Your encouragement is like water. I've felt dry and parched for some time. You make me want to write.

[Coyote Poetry]

I am glad. Please keep writing.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I remember the days of Viet Nam...the war, the innocents involved who had had peaceful lives before it all happened...Hopefully there is peace there now...throughout the country.

Beautiful work,
j.

[Joli Dy]

Thank you so much. I'm so delighted to get feedback!

[Marie]

A nicely narrated poem which tells the story of Mai and the scholar. I enjoyed reading. Thank you for sharing, Joli Dy

[Joli Dy]

You're very kind. Thank you.

[Marie]

Most welcome, dear poetess...

[Thomas W Case]

Superb work. Powerful writing.

[Joli Dy]

Thank you so much! You are my first reviewer, so you'll always be special to me. Thank you for the encouragement.