Moon Rising

by Anne Hiltner

at the edge of the lake
the silver water shimmers
as the moon rises

how coy she is
hiding behind a gilt-edged fan
dark eyes peering over it

wearing an orange kimono
embroidered with black dragons
a beacon in the night

amid the courtiers
watching from afar
as a poem is read aloud

when her eyes blink
meet the glance
of the blue-robed visitor

who nods
moves a step closer
bows his head

and sees the fan
flutter and drop
to reveal her face

speaking
the language of love
sly, hidden, rising