Beyond Sight [Kyōka]

in the mountains,
 beyond every sightline,
  a potential top...
 but - more likely -
  just more to climb.

Peahen [Kyōka]

peahen treads softly
to avoid scaring insects.
people plod around,
taking the bird's picture.
the peahen thinks, "Really!"

Dragonfly [Kyōka]

the dragonfly
is still, and I wonder
whether it's dead,
and further wonder whether
anyone has thought that of me

Black Hole [Kyōka]

deep in the cave,
there’s a hole that knows no light;
everything
and nothing can reside
within that black hole

Wading into the Flood [Kyoka]

floodwaters rise.
peacefully drifting
around the calves
of those in search
of things that float

Quick Peek [Kyōka]

a weaver
pokes its head from the nest,
looks both ways,
& decides to stay in.
i know the feeling.

Kilimanjaro Hides [Kyōka]

"Amboseli 
offers great views of 
Kilimanjaro!"
they said. but, for me,
obstinate clouds object

Rock Agama [Tanka]

a Rock Agama
peeks over a rock, stops,
and tries to be
inconspicuously
bright orange

Nocturnal [Kyōka]

owl sticks its head out,
staring in silent rebuke
as if to say:
"Hey! I'm nocturnal.
What's with all the ruckus?"

Hide & Seek [Kyōka]

the icy mountain
plays hide & seek in the clouds
like a five-year-old
playing the game
for the first time, ever