Letters to the Absent

Loneliness is not always far away;

sometimes it's just the aftermath

of an ant's life extinguished.

Raindrops descend upon the serene surface

of a deep lake,

akin to caressing the blades of grass

along the pond's edge.

Or ascending the stairs,

watching her return,

seeking a twilight hue

that appears elusive yet familiar.

Intricate patterns adorn with meticulous detail,

surely hinting at an ancient tale's plot.

Occasionally, I find myself seated by the lake,

penning letters.

A long-legged mosquito alights upon a dark stone,

meticulously grooming its delicate wings.

Dusk tints the clouds,

accumulating in my chest,

forming a weighty burden.

A yearning to release a resounding howl emerges,

yet reality offers no such reprieve.

Alcohol becomes my sole recourse,

an endless cycle of intoxication.

The wild jujube trees stand steadfast,

undisturbed by the wind's whims.

Sometimes, loneliness lurks not far,

a mere consequence of two ants meeting their demise.

"If they were in love," whispered Taoist Wang,

his words lingering.

In that distant afternoon, I composed a missive,

unintentionally sparing lives.

As the sun gradually descends below the horizon,

casting a golden glow upon the placid lake,

memories rustle in the gentle breeze,

remnants of a forgotten love, once embraced.

Enveloped by solitude like a comforting cloak,

solace is found in the tranquility of the evening.

Words flow from my pen,

weaving emotions upon the parchment.

Each stroke an expression of longing and yearning.

In my mind's eye, you exist, my beloved,

in a distant realm.

With a tender smile, you read my words,

bridging the gap between us.

Through these lines, an ephemeral connection forms,

ethereal and profound.

In this moment, the world fades into insignificance,

leaving only the two of us, united by the power of these letters.

A sanctuary of emotions, a sanctuary of souls,

where loneliness dissipates and love unfurls its wings.

So let the ants traverse undisturbed,

living out their humble lives.

For within their minuscule existence lies a profound lesson:

even within the depths of solitude,

love can ignite, and hope can be rekindled.

And as the ink dries upon this devoted parchment,

my heart's whispers traverse the vast expanse of time and space.

May they find you, wherever you may dwell,

embracing you within the sacred confines of my words.