Tiger Riding for Beginners

Traveling Poet Philosopher & Occasional Wiseacre

the grain is ripe. 
 the days are short.
  the farmer, weary.

little green sprouts,
 the only verdant hue:
  barren Winter woods.

Even in the 
 pristine palace garden,
  gardeners refuse
 to chase one stray, wind-blown leaf
  that tumblers over pavers.

apricot tinge
 on a distant cloud
   tells of day's end.

where hill meets clouds: 
 knuckles of a Hulk-like fist 
  spark a daydream.

in the mountains:
 vivid & invisible
  are dance partners.

Hanuman Langur
 mimics a lounging housecat;
  then paws at nothing.

brightly-attired
 forage-hauling woman
  vanishes in fog.

fine powdery snow
 fills ground around grass:
  frigid Winter day.

fake snow from
 fountain spray in wind;
  the cold is real.