Sleeping Bear [Kyōka]

the sleeping bear
seems at peace, and still does
when its eyes open,
but my mental state - and
my drawers - are quite changed.

Gray Baby [Kyōka]

an autumn sapling,
red leaves on a stiff twig,
shakes in the breeze;
i can't help but think of it
as a gray-haired baby.

Slow Convergence [Tanka]

morning valley hike:
i slowly walk toward
the sunny-side
as the sunny-side walks
toward me - slower still.

Young & Old [Kyōka]

roadside saplings
take Fall colors for a time,
before going bare;
the envy of humans:
at once young & old.

Beyond Eye & Mind [Kyōka]

a bare tree,
beside the stream,
sent leaves to the sea:
how far did they get?
"beyond eye & mind."

Rocky Outcrop [Tanka]

the rocky tip
of grass-coiffed outcrop
is all I see,
but the sound of a crow's "CAW!"
comes through loud & clear.

Monkey Insight [Kyōka]

langur in a tree
remains still as others flee;
it seems to know
my limitations as well as
its own capabilities.

Trails [Kyōka]

wildlife trail:
a subtle part in the grass;
human trail:
a bald and dusty line..., but
a buck 'd be hell on your rug, too!

Vortex Drop [Tanka]

drifting toward falls,
a leaf twists & pivots
-- as if frantically --
as if to avoid the fall,
then slips over & glides.

Two Rivers Merge [Tanka]

two rivers merge:
the smaller, lighter branch
seems shut out, but
the bigger river moves
onward a lighter shade.