Elizabeth Barrette's poetry has appeared in a wide variety of publications. She is also the Managing Editor of PanGaia and Assistant Editor of SageWoman; she selects poetry for both magazines. Dark Planet is designed and edited by Lucy A. Snyder. If you spot any errors, or if you have any comments, please contact her at lusnyde@cyberus.ca. All materials copyright 1996-2001 by their respective creators. No stories, articles, poems or images from this webzine may be posted or published without the written consent of their creator(s).

All Night's Beauty by Elizabeth Barrette Whispering Sands khazal The first moon is a jewel in the sky, A smooth cabochon of alabaster The second moon is a saber's blade, Burnished in silver, sheathed in silk The stars are a sprinkle of salt On the polished table of the night The sand is a sheet of linen, Dimpled as if from sleeping limbs The stones are shapes of lace Knitted from a strand of shadow Then you emerge from the tent, And the moment my eyes find you The wine I have drunk goes straight to my head, And all night's beauty goes quietly away.