To “Little Rice Bucket”

Beneath this scorching sunset,
You become the purest willow tree.
Slowly, open eyes that long sealed shut,
Quietly meeting my gaze once more.

Countless times, the heavy moonlight slipped from you,
And you drifted, moving your clumsy body along.
You are courage, resilience,
and the most revered hymn to life.
At parting, recall your chocolate-colored times.

Thank you
For waiting to share our final sight,
Becoming the bride of that night,
Then ending your twelve restricted days.
To dream beneath the peach tree.
Of a spring that has no ending.