Tiger Riding for Beginners

Traveling Poet Philosopher & Occasional Wiseacre

cymbals crash &
 horns blow, a dragon weaves up-street:
  winter festivities!

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.

cool winter day:
 clouds form thickly over 
  the hot springs.

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

city, nightfall:
 the temple’s fierce creatures
  turn nightmare shapes.

eyeing the mountain
 like it’s defeated you once,
  and may again.

the grass sways,
 while skyscrapers stand stiffly:
  so impressive, the grass!