Pearls

By Jessica Lake

In the twilight of my waning days,

As the sun drops

Below chimneys then rooftops

I recline

And partake and ponder

Of opiate and yesteryears

And in somnolent Xanadu,

I take each year out

As a pearl

Roll it between thumb and finger

And value its luster and clarity.

It seems to me

With each pearl,

Counting back

From now to before

My days were sweeter.

On reaching the eighth year

A sea change

From midwinter midnight

Into midsummer midday

Golden sunlight languid

Drapes the landscape

Light begets light

Doubles and redoubles:

Still the heart craves more.

A once upon a time

Told by those

Still rich with days.

A fairy tale of solace

When there is none.

Laudanum for the old.

That is the story given

And we are to be happy.