




the last few leaves
tenaciously hang on
into mid-winter.

even the small mountains
hide their tops in the clouds:
rainy winter day.

roots held up the wall;
the wall supports the tree.
now, they’re one & same.

a heron stands
with perfect stillness,
in frigid water.

frangipani
have dropped leaves & blossoms,
& stand gnarled & nude.

a barren tree
stands in the temple yard:
winter’s guardian.

waves jet upward
with unpredictable rhythm:
glance away, miss it.

hibiscus flowers
show their bright colors
on a winter day.

waves hit rocky shore
and spout a geyser that rains
like a mini squall.