[ What good is a surgeon now, bereft the ethical bindings that might have constrained her?
What is left for her, besides? Watch the years grow on her, like the rings of wood entrails, pronounced and deepened. Watch her house and bear them, symbiotically, like the lichen of deserted temples. Watch the slowness that flurries the air when she breathes, the quiet, crepuscular anticipation of the world suspending itself to hear the exotic gift of a last Wen's pronouncement.
And know she gives herself to be seen.
He remembers the boy he was, the first time he beheld her. The abrasions that still marred Bichen like pox marks, when years of oil and polish had yet to settle the blade unto smoothness. The tentative cadence of his step, the lack of belonging. He has exorcised a hundred men besides that boy since, but there are occasions when he is summoned: just so, just now, with the willow tree's drop of his back, the tender, calculated curve, the push that final few specks of chi down, until his forehead nearly touches his folded hand and his bow before her completes without reservation.
If respect must be performed, let it be done beautifully. Uncle would agree. Hold the line. ]
Gratitude for your story. [ If not her deeds. Not her intentions. ] You took a core. I stole a child. [ From his name, his heritage, his memories. ] Debts rest settled between us.
no subject
What is left for her, besides? Watch the years grow on her, like the rings of wood entrails, pronounced and deepened. Watch her house and bear them, symbiotically, like the lichen of deserted temples. Watch the slowness that flurries the air when she breathes, the quiet, crepuscular anticipation of the world suspending itself to hear the exotic gift of a last Wen's pronouncement.
And know she gives herself to be seen.
He remembers the boy he was, the first time he beheld her. The abrasions that still marred Bichen like pox marks, when years of oil and polish had yet to settle the blade unto smoothness. The tentative cadence of his step, the lack of belonging. He has exorcised a hundred men besides that boy since, but there are occasions when he is summoned: just so, just now, with the willow tree's drop of his back, the tender, calculated curve, the push that final few specks of chi down, until his forehead nearly touches his folded hand and his bow before her completes without reservation.
If respect must be performed, let it be done beautifully. Uncle would agree. Hold the line. ]
Gratitude for your story. [ If not her deeds. Not her intentions. ] You took a core. I stole a child. [ From his name, his heritage, his memories. ] Debts rest settled between us.