Under the compassionate
eye of the Bodhisattva
the cats
at Senso-ji Temple
curl around
the incense burners
on a cold December morning,
ignoring countless pigeons
hopping impatiently,
awaiting flocks
of school children
in neat uniforms
and rainbow backpacks,
each with a slice
or two
of stale bread.
The Buddha watches
with a gentle smile.