The moon has risen on the last remnants of night–
floating she brushes the heavenly stars.
The lake has widened till it almost joins the sky
and the mist rising from the water has hidden the hills.
Far off the Dipper lowers toward the river.
You’d think you’d left the earth–
body and spirit for a while have changed place
and open, open–
the world’s affairs, just waves.
A cento poem for NaPoWriMo Day 30. Thanks to Maureen Thorson for once again hosting this wonderful month of verse.
poets in order of appearance
Po Chü-i (title)
Po Chü-i
Li Po
Po Chü-i
Ou Yang Hsiu
Tu Fu
Ch’in Kuan
Po Chü-i
Li-Young Lee
Li Po
K. 
You have captured the sense of peace most beautifully, Kerfe.
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Thanks Robbie. I find Chinese poets to be close observers of nature, which is why I chose to work with their words for my cento.
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Good choice. The lines are all observations, and they fit together well.
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Thanks Jane. I admire the understatedness of traditional Asian poets. They don’t need flash or glitter to construct something meaningful.
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No, that’s right, and each phrase means something. It contains it all.
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The lines work together well–and great title and art, too.
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Thanks Merril.
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You’re welcome, Kerfe.
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A stunning cento for the last day, Kerfe!
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Thanks Kim. A good way to end the month I think.
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Sometimes such spaces are the calmest to inhabit! Congratulations on completing the month!
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Thanks Ingrid. I’m happy to have done it.
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Exquisite, Kerfe. One of your best poems. It really does transport one away. Beautiful artwork to go with it also.
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Thanks Jade. I end up with accidental paintings underneath when I’m painting on rice paper–this is one of them. It’s kind of like a monoprint, a somewhat controlled surprise.
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This is wonderful, Kerfe. I’ve only tried a CENTO once, and it felt forced to me – but I think you were very right in selecting Eastern poets who were writing about nature… Maybe I’ll have another go at this myself!
❤
David
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I like centos but they are difficult to get right. I think finding compatible poets helps. It’s like a puzzle–you have to find the pieces that fit. I enjoy that aspect of it, even when it doesn’t work.
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absolutely love the colours and textures of your art and poem, so celestial!
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Thanks Kate!
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This cento is a delight!
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Thanks Muri. And thanks for your prompts.
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