Heart of the kalyan

Nightfall found us still seated on the terrace.

Long had we not spoken,

nor had I tended the kalyan that stood between us,

for my thoughts had wandered into the kingdom of my desire.

"Thinkest thou thy heart is dead because it mourns a lover?

See. The kalyan glows no longer.

Its coverlet of pearl grey ash is like unto a shroud.

And yet...

Put but forth thy hand and its heart will whisper of its warmth.

Now I have breathed upon the kalyan,

and a crimson fire gleams upon thy cheek.

So thy heart lurks shrouded in the ashes of the love that passed.

Speak. Shalline be the breath to rekindle its glow?"

And at moonrise her drooping head had found

its pillow upon my breast.