The Birds Are Not Singing Poem by RIC BASTASA

it is nighttime
that is why

the moon is full
and the stars
are brighter as ever

the clouds are thin
as a quick brush of the
Chinese painter

the temple is empty
and the candles are turned off
by the wind from
the sea

the birds with their
dreams
do not sing
the usual sad songs
that you hear

now it is you who must
listen to the songs of
solitude

that silence that
dances
the classical ballet

that silence that anchors
the boat
by the side of
your lovely island