Ruins [Senryū]

a cow grazes
on a plinth once reserved
for priests & kings.

Not the Face! [Senryū]

a young skink's
vibrant cobalt blue tail
says, "Not the Face!"

Jolt [Senryū]

on a narrow ridge,
covered with fine dust,
my foot slips. I’m awake!

Crows in a Row [Haiku]

curb crows
stand in a row.
what’s the sky say?

Roughhousing Snakes [Haiku]

at water’s edge,
snakes wrestle: writhing, twining,
but slipping the pin.

Four Seasonal Haiku of Ryōkan [w/ Audio]

Spring

rainy days
make the monk Ryōkan
feel sad.

Summer

the moon in my window
is all the thief left behind.

Autumn

an autumn wind
chills the dangling persimmons,
and my testicles.

Winter

little birds have
gathered in the brushwood
on a snowy morn.

Budding [Senryū]

budding limbs:
vibrant growth unseen from
the city beyond.

Lil Beaming Faces [Senryū]

sun to flowers, 
“now that I have your
attention… shine!”

Old & Young [Haiku]

fresh white blossoms
& weathered hues of decay:
 both old & young (like me.)

True Balance [Senryū]

standing on one leg,
steadfast while squirrels mistake
 one for a tree.