I’ve Never Been Lost in the Woods [Sonnet]

I've never been lost in the woods,
though I've been lost so many times.
I've been lost in my neighborhood,
and I've been lost within my mind. 

You say the trees look all the same.
I say that's some speciesist shit.
No. I don't know the trees by name,
but that doesn't matter a whit.

I've never been lost in the woods:
lost means wishing to be elsewhere.
Lost is all about "woulds" and "coulds."
But I'm not lost if I don't care:

don't care I don't know this exact spot,
'cause I know precisely where I'm not!

Hoi An Limerick

There was a lantern maker from Hoi An
known for being a brilliant craftsman.
So increased his fame,
'til his shop burst in flames,
and they called for a paper lantern ban.

Cynic Limerick

The philosopher named Diogenes
was like a dog... known to have fleas.
-failed to find an honest man.
-didn't let "Greatness" block his tan.
But he lived simply, and as he pleased.

Limerick of Valladolid

There was a burglar from Valladolid
who could burgle with great grace and speed.
he broke into the sacristy
with much alacrity,
but was dog-chased out of the church and treed. 

Bad Parenting [Common Meter]

I don't mean to cast aspersions,
but it would seem to me
parents shouldn't give a child stabby
things 'fore the age of three.

I don't know whether this household
has a pup or kitty,
but if the kid can spear the floor
the pets ain't look'n pretty.

Saying a babe shouldn't have a spear,
you'll call me "left-wing nut,"
but I don't like dog-on-a-stick:
even if it's a mutt. 

The Happy Castaway [Common Meter]

Adrift at sea for days and days,
who knows how it will end?
Your body sloshes like the waves,
but as your mind descends.

Your mouth is dry; your body pruned.
In thirst, the water taunts.
But - ever wet - your skin sloughs off.
When soaked, the water haunts.

The sun burns hot. Then fog rolls in,
and senses are deprived.
And washing up on vacant shores,
you find that you've arrived.

You know not where - but feel relief.
Land monsters can't be worse
than those that grab you by the mind
while high seas you traverse. 

Goa Limerick

A tourist who traveled to Goa
contracted some mean protozoa.
Claimed she got it in a cave,
but "more likely at a rave,"
said those who recall that girl from Goa. 

Stampede [Free Verse]

Wildlife charges through the city
like the bulls of Pamplona,

a stampede of death 
from a river of life,

a river that flows turbulently,
crashing and slopping.

Nothing can falter before the stampede.
Each step must land solidly,
each step until one's last. 

Whee!… Briefly [Haiku]

a leaf falls,
and I feel the "Whee!" --
briefly

Guard Dog [Senryū]

dog guards church
by being a trip-hazard...
and doing it well