Chinese Epitaph

Florence Kilpatrick Mixter

She was a Manchu lady…
Near the tomb where she lies
Broods an ancient Buddha with robes of jade and of coral
And curious lapis-blue eyes.

She was a wistful lady…
When the west wind sighs
Inscrutable even as the terrible calm of Buddha
Her impassive disguise.

She was a Manchu lady…
Azure the skies,
And golden the tracery sealing the proud lips of Buddha
As the west wind dies.