Immortal Psyche

after Debussy

the dream meanders to a parting of the mist
onto a garden, where an intimation
of a motion in the room asks why not
be awake. She feels Her body ask
the same, and so She follows its suggestion
up the path of morning light. She sees
the flicker of a butterfly come
in the window, skim the shimmering
of roses on the wall, then flit
in Her direction to alight
upon the bed's white veil. the gold
wings still a moment. then He moves
again behind Her and steps softly
to the floor. the earth seems all
a flower watching for Him to emerge
from night, until at last He stands
before the window, darker brother
of the sun. He shakes His wings. And yes
She knows Him. Yes She smiles.

Tom Koontz
Arts Indiana 1994