What’s in a Name? [Kyōka]

Pantropical Jumping Spider
i was brave
when facing this spider,
until I learned
that within its name
was the word, "Jumping"

Across the Valley [Tanka]

the waterfall,
thunderous and lofty,
is a thin stream
from across the valley,
and yet i stop & stare

A Model Tree [Tanka]

the shade tree
offers not just shade, but
a good example
for enlightenment seekers
and lazy folk, alike

Walk in the Woods [Tanka]

sunlight shines low,
half-hatching the forest floor
with autumn shadows;
i walk amid columns,
listening for absent birds 

Cloud Tricks [Tanka]

thin clouds drift in,
showing their black bellies,
hiding blue skies
like a young boy doing
his first magic trick

Road Flock [Tanka]

cowbells clang,
the bleating flock trots up
a dusty road;
the rising dust plume
seen before the goats

The Murder [Kyoka]

a murder of crows
congregates on the concrete,
and I feel angst.
sure, I’m smarter than a crow…
but smarter than the murder?

Gravity-free Tree [Tanka]

growing upward,
the tree turns ninety degrees,
reaching sideways
three times its height -
i jump to check gravity

River Meets Sea [Tanka]

wide mouth river,
its chocolate-colored waters
smashed by breakers /
the battle is ceaseless;
no winner is declared

Grazing Horse Tanka

grazing horses
approach a cliff:
not watching
where they are going,
but knowing where they are