The packed suitcase
sits on the futon
but neither it nor I
are in any hurry
to depart.
4 AM
in Chicago
blanketed in snow
is an orange
neon painting.
snow
FINALLY FALLING
Outside the snow finally falls
and presses
the last fallen
Maple leaves
into the ground
free, for now
from the rake.
Outside the snow finally falls
and for a few hours
November is redeemed
and my shoes
are suddenly inadequate
even on the half
plowed road.
Outside the snow finally falls
and the full moon
accepts it’s obscurity
while the cat
stares longingly
out the window.
A SIMPLE SONG
This morning’s song
is drawn from
the whispers of the passing clouds
as the last snow
flows gently
down the street.
17/3
Blue heron takes flight
giant wings stir wispy clouds
April emerges.
December garden
faceless Buddha loudly laughs
wriggling toes in snow.
Bang the drum loudly
kasha awaits the silence
a winter tempest
WINTER FALLS ON JAPAN
Upon the peak of Mt. Fuji
the first snow is shrouded
by the mother clouds.
In the shadows, rice shoots
stare up in reverence.
ALLEGORY
The sooty snow
blankets the fields
blowing like
a still ocean
off the precipice
of the horizon.
The clouds
of ash tinged cotton
hug the earth
a blanket
under which all life
finds refuge
from the ghosts
of winter.
To the wanderer
which the cave mouth
which the cave?
SEASONINGS (HAIKU)
above only sky
beneath only dark gray clouds
the sun is content
a mountain of clouds
rises from white tufted bed
the earth is watered
in winter’s icy chill
ripples from autumn’s pebble
await the spring sun
the leafless ginkgo
taunts the first snow of winter
with the dream of spring
