for three days,
the sky has been without the moon;
i search room to room but
the lamps are not lit.
the brass, i polish, yet
the lanterns are hallow
without the strike.
when will there be light
if i find not the moon?
a jewel is still
a jewel e'en when
she is within
the silent breath
of your absence.~
`t. imaan tretchicovmanicova
21nov06