顏/yan as in 容顏/rong yan
as in your complexion is not usually
this sallow and yellow
I am powdered with blush
rounded skin of dumplings
bottom of steamed buns
冬/dong as in 越冬/yue dong
as in passing through winter
here is humid and warm
holding your hand feels dry and cold
doc says to worry less
eat more
領/ling as in 帶領/dai ling
as in raising your children so they can
leave you and this island
she calls you and you cry
she hangs up, you make rice cakes
and wine
寧/ning as in 安寧/an ning
as in peaceful as the ring of whistling in
one's sleep
like the lull and tip of typhoon waves
crashing into your body
sparing hers and mine
finding solace in space and time
