Patricia Prime
Li Di Yan
(Reed Flute Cave)
Stalactites in dazzling colors line the zigzag length of the Reed Flute Cave. Also known as the “Palace of Natural Arts,” the cave draws tourists from around the world to Guilin, China. Its entrance is distinguished by abundant reeds, once used by the Chinese to make flutes.
a windy day outside the cave strangers whisper
One chamber, the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, is said to hold a thousand people—it was used as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War. Galleries of rock formations sparkle in the dim light A great white slab hangs from a ledge like a waterfall, while a formation opposite resembles an old scholar seated at his books. Across the walls, calligraphy dating from the Tang Dynasty curves across the stone.
midday music voices blend with dripping stalactites
About the Author
Patricia Prime is co-editor of the NZ haiku journal Kokako. She is the articles editor for contemporary haibun online and also a reviewer for Atlas Poetica, Takahe, and other journals.