A raw electric sizzle
that riffles through my brain
makes me feel the rhythmic sway
of a lumbering train.
And I can hear the click-clack
of rolling down the line,
and all of it transpires deep
inside my weary mind.
All day long, clouds hung low
(pretending rains would come)
but never did winds blow --
and no rain came, therefrom.
"Oh, duplicitous sky,
why have you lied to me?"
It offered its reply,
"What grand audacity!
"You left your umbrella home.
So, what else could I do?
But close the azure dome,
and some respect accrue!"
I don’t have a favorite, but there are several that I could not maintain health and sanity without, including: hiking, yoga, calisthenics, taiji / qigong, free movement, and at least one cardio (I currently swim and run.) I’m currently struggling with juggling.
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry --
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll --
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul --
cormorant heads
drift over the water:
fishing in formation.
muddy clogs
beside each gate;
Spring is here.
"don't swat!"
the fly rubs its hands,
then rubs its feet.
autumn rain,
a small sumo wrestler
pushes through.
sleeping in a row,
the Shinano mountains:
under snow blanket.
In Japanese:
門門の下駄の泥より春立ちぬ
やれ打つな蠅が手を摺り足をする
秋の雨小さき角力通りけり
寝ならぶやしなのの山も夜の雪
From: Wilson, William Scott. 2023. A Beginners Guide to Japanese Haiku. North Clarendon, VT: Tuttle Publishing, 224pp.
banyan roots
form cathedral columns
for the inner sanctum.
Tiger Riding for Beginners 