Classic Poem

When clouds drift over the earth,
over life a sorrow,
when the tears rain down
on parched despairing hearts,
when lament is everywhere
recollecting the heart's pain
remember then the full-moon nights
in dream cities after the earthquake.

In the desert of vexation,
hand at your forehead,
existence becomes a curse,
success beyond the sandy wastes.
Within the alien, cruel jungle
of the world I call
when life's become a burden,
a tumult of the spirit,
in that same moment I remember
you, and the tears stop.

In memory the garden blooms,
winning sap and color;
the sand turns fresh and green
and cool waters play.
The cuckoo sings, quickening
a tender spring in the heart.
The sandal-breeze begins to flow,
full of your fragrant breath,
and in my memory rise from sleep
the sweet sounds of your voice.