The clouds are always there
ringing three peaks
busy with lightning &
thunder grumbling-
the place clouds are born
to water the fields
and forests of Vietnam.

You must be light as air
to receive a tree frog's blessing
then take the path to the cloud pagoda
at the summit of Ba Vi
where a nun lives to tend the shrine
light incense sticks
and burn the ceremonial money
arrange flowers left by pilgrims
in offering to the clouds.

Quiet time, the forest watches over her
she meditates clouds until night-
sleeps on a cane mat before the sweet altar-
the clouds round Ba Vi swirl through the pagoda
wrap her in glowing vapour
make images of her cloud dreams
and if the clouds dream
they dream of her.

Sunrise, she gathers the flowers
left by day-tripping pilgrims
and throws them to the clouds.