Denies Averted Eyes

We all want to get to that scene
Alone with the lone fisherman
In a wintry and empty world.

We don’t want to be the fisher
Or waiting in the boat with him
For a bite, for supper tonight.

We don’t want to be the winter,
Cold world getting on with itself.
We want to be one observer

Among all the rest of the ghosts
In the snow, nothing much ourselves,
Who will become the scene’s poets,

Painters, calligraphers, knowing
This time what we make’s for no one,
No wall hangings, no dynasties.

We want to want nothing much more
Than to watch the dark river float
Before us, unharmed, free to go.