The Amber Moon

Anon.

I gave you perfumed fans and coral beads,

A silken gown and blue-embroidered shoes.

All these you left behind, and in my eyes

New tears are born each time I look on them.

One gift alone you did not leave behind,

The very last I ever gave to you,

When, having nothing left of love to give,

I pointed to the autumn’s amber moon.

   “—and this,” I said, “shall be my gift to you.”

Now, night by night, I watch the sky alone,

Thinking perhaps to see your shadow hands

Outstretched to touch that shadow gift of mine.