by Vernon Ng
Thrashing in white heat
waterside,
honing your mind to a sharp edge,
you cloak your body in wax
and honey
to steel yourself, yes,
and to sweeten yourself.
You slip
into the forestdark
and go deep.
I wish you well.
From a lower stand
across the stream,
I wish you well,
sharpening myself also,
but slowly, mindless
and naked,
browsing leaves
like a glossy deer.