China

I am an ant inside a blue bowl
on the table of a cruel prince.

Battle plans are being discussed.
Much rice wine is poured.

But even when he angers
and drives a long knife into the table,

I continue to quietly circle
the bowl, hand-painted with oranges and green vines.

Copyright © 2007 Billy Collins All rights reserved
from Alehouse
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission