On the Rooftop Under Moonlight
You lean soft on the rooftop’s edge,
Moonlight spills over your form like silver thread;
My fire glows low in the night’s hush—
Your beauty catches its flame in my eyes.
My Phoenix has returned at last.
II
While peace settles on your sleeping brow,
My heart drifts back to old Gusu town:
You stirred my cold heart from its frost,
First time worry weighed on my chest;
First time jealousy burned like wildfire,
Longing for your arms to hold me tight;
First time tears drowned me in dark despair—
When you fell to ash and vanished from sight.
III
Still you sleep, and my tears fall calm, no sharp grief;
Sixteen years, joy a stranger to our lives.
We bore the world’s harsh blows, fought to rise—
Now my lips hover an inch from yours red,
Eager to steal a kiss as I did back then,
Before my Phoenix was lost to wind.
But your eyes flutter open; I’m fixed to their light,
Unaware tears still trace my cheeks’ line.
Your hand wipes them soft, gentle as spring rain,
A sweet smile curves your lips like dawn.
Your fingers wind around my neck slow,
Our breaths weave together, warm and low—
I know not if I taste the Emperor’s Smile wine,
For your lips are sweeter than any vintage fine,
As I press mine to yours, and gently bite...🌘✨01222026 ©LanZhan
L