Paen to a Goddess

Over night-darkened kingdoms she watches,
A goddess luminescent,
Tender and baleful as each coming dawn.
Her silken gaze restoring the bleached purity
Of primeval landscapes.

So countless lovers have dedicated
Deep oceans and more of tears -
Such libations to your divinity:
Bright-faced Selene, inquisitive Chang’e,
Virgin Artemis of the silver bow.

Oh careless goddess! Would it that I could
Soften the chill in your soul,
And turn that gaze on unworthy mortals.
Longing is the cheerless aegis you wield
with such relentless accuracy.

Deathless you glide on enduring currents,
Regal, unmoved, this
Celestial deity beyond our grasp.
Your cold light shines a beacon in dark seas,
As you too search for a love to last.