The 15th Day of the Seventh Moon**

In the court of the Jade King, on the day of the ghost moon
The general of the northern region was taking tea with the King.
Before them was a large map of the realm.

They talked in hushed tones.
Green tea was poured from a golden ***.
Bowls of rice and fish were spread before them.

Just before dawn the general of the western region arrived.
He removed his armor with pain.
A court physician attended to his wounds.

He was escorted into the great hall
Past the guarded rooms of the inner chamber
Into the war room.

He knelt on left side of the King.  He spoke,
“The armies of mountain kingdoms will not come to our  aid.”
“We can not wait for a change of heart.” The King relied.

“How did you come by your wounds?”  The King inquired.
“I crossed the great river at the summer camp
And was set upon by a Han scouting party”.  He replied.

The sun was starting to rising in the east.
And a western breeze
Carried the hint of burning pine.