poem
Walking with Basho: Spring Breezes Haiku
Spring gusts pick up dirt – ‘Frisco leavings, toxic waste. Mask feels good on face! Tokyo has no trees: I wonder how we still breathe? My cactus works hard! None of us can breathe: This is the time of no air! Open the window! Yet I do not dare This springtime fails to comfort: Wind […]
MoreIn the Shadow of Basho 3: New World Japan Town
Sun’s out! Blossom bloom! The lure of Matcha ice is Universal! Peace! Fat white boys wield swords! Girl’s in cat ears roar cutely! Manga reigns supreme. Tyrant says “this way!” Woman follows quietly: Dragon bides her time.
MoreEast Side Cinderella
A East Side Cinderella sits waiting For a cab that will never come Holding a borrowed black umbrella A suitcase And a stolen gun A picture of a boy reading “to all tomorrow’s parties” Between finger and thumb A crackerjack ring, a toy car of tin And a promise of things That won’t ever be […]
MoreSmooth Stoned
Big fish, tall tales: Moose rides the Captain’s trails Crow flies – left to right Hope he has a safe flight tonight And oh no, I don’t belong here anyhow I don’t belong here anyhow. Herd stares, Cherry pie Dairy cow works on a fly Smooth stone in my pocket Your hair in a golden […]
MoreA Wanderer’s Prayer
On my last trip to the coast It was me and the wailing ghost Of all of those dreams I pushed into the sea On my last trip to the coast. On my last night in the woods I got stalked by the thoughts that could Get their teeth into me Chase me into a […]
MoreTanka – Who’s the monster now?
Cool dappled hollow, river runs beside it, ancient water-monster, bathes in a spot of brightness frozen in fear of feet, I wipe the guts of her children off my soles, monster runs to her hole.
More