Tiger Riding for Beginners

Traveling Poet Philosopher & Occasional Wiseacre

the bushy tree
 in the temple wall isn't so
  claustrophobic as I.

people sit in sand,
 and look to the water --
  ignoring dark clouds.

from valley shadow,
 the sun-warmed mountain
  glows more brightly.

across the lake,
 two rainbows arch skyward:
  one, a faint echo.

poets & artists
 sit in ornate houseboats,
  translating the clouds.

grape tendrils
 encased in crystalline frost.
  blows into cupped palms.

red berries
 encased in ice:
  silver storm surprise.

yellow petals drop:
 on the lake: washed together;
  on the ground: spread out.

dark rain clouds
 hang around all day,
  without raining.

the autumn rains
 have wetted the pavement
  for days on end.