I’m calmest

As a traveling phantom

As a roving vapor

As a passing illusion

In the moon’s silver light

–

I am fed by the thunder

Of familiar voices,

Trading friendly volleys

On their turf in the wild

–

It’s there I find refuge

In the rhythm of their banter

Fending off the plotting serpents

Of the formless night

–

I inhale every sonnet

They breathe with ease

To ensure their sweet chime

Lives on in our silence