the surgeon of the nightsky

the surgeon of the nighsky opens his
jewelled case and spills out a garland
of crystal wands. each of them a prism.

the horse pulls at its tether under
stormlight, breaks free, gone down
the coyote trail into night. a long trail.

the sleeper, sleepless all night till dawn,
turns his head at the sound of rain
on the cabin walls. and is soothed.

the calendar fish are green and gold
in the bronze evening light, green
and gold and scarlet. a turning circle.

the moon rides a steeple point
in lavender twilight till the clouds
weary and fade. each of them a prism.