Startled

Luc Bak: Vietnamese style poem

Though the forest seemed clear

Through the thickets did peer a man.

Quixotic approach yet

Caution, veil of night set resting

Pinched at edge of sky brisk

A walk across stones swift as sea

Waters mingle at the

Unclear borders of Mi-

Masaka quiet hum

Alone unhinged maelstrom

Did clamor breaking peace within

The walls of Kagami

Ex’s arrows all caused a stir

Amid dreaming I paused

Only to find I left the dream.

Keep me I pray bereft of claim

My mind forever stained

Imaginings refrain from words

I leave it covered there

The other world I dare not go

There again forever