“I Wake in the Middle of the Night” by George Freek


(After Su Dongpo)

I know that we live
in a world of chance.
When the sun sleeps,
the stars dance.
The moon arrives at night.
Is it surprised by the
lack of light?
But such foolish speculation
demeans my imagination.
Here below, leaves shiver
along the ground.
Will-less in death, they’re
dressed in appropriate brown.
In summer, they thought
life was gay,
but it only seemed that way.


Geoge Freek is a poet/playwright living in Belvidere, IL. Although these poems are inspired by ancient Chinese poetry, they are entrely original comositions. George’s poetry has recently appeared in Gray Sparrow Journal; The Adelaide Quarterly; The Chiron Rview; and Green Light . His plays are published by Playscripts, Inc. and Lazy Bee Scripts.