Dale Champlin, Gibsen Girl Silhouette, Collage, 2021
PEONIES
These blooming peonies
appear like those at
the South Mountain side
of the Chinese poet’s hut.
Propped up, the peonies
open at the level of my eyes.
Across pinks and reds,
across centuries,
I meet the poet’s stare.
Both at once we blurt,
with wide smiles now,
“See! Our peonies!’
____________________
Erik Muller