THE SILENT PEACOCK

[dedicated to the peacocks of Rajasthan, India]

winds from the western sands
brought yellow, burnt smells,
it was where the sun sank
the nights were little winter stays!

a peahen looked dull and grey,
strolled like a lazy lad,
a peacock had to watch and wait

to break silence of the mating day!

the winds troubled his handsome flight
must he swoop down or gently fly?
just then, another danced, rainbow wild,
the chance's gone...silence was his crime!