Spring
rainy days
make the monk Ryōkan
feel sad.
Summer
the moon in my window
is all the thief left behind.
Autumn
an autumn wind
chills the dangling persimmons,
and my testicles.
Winter
little birds have
gathered in the brushwood
on a snowy morn.
leaves have dropped;
reflected sun viewed twixt
bristled seedpod clusters.
the turning leaves
catch the morning sunlight
to show depths of red.
heavy-headed grass sways:
the clockwork counting down
the days of Autumn.
ducks drift lazily
on water that sparkles
with winter sunlight.
a daytime half moon,
feeble compared to at night,
yet I stop to look.
SPRING
Despite the storm,
Spring's herald makes it through:
Scent of plum blossom.
SUMMER
Abundant fireflies
This year, but this morning
None are to be seen.
AUTUMN
Autumn sea:
A boat moves, leaf-like,
In the floating world.
WINTER
Winter rains
Cross the mountains
On rising clouds.
budding limbs:
vibrant growth unseen from
the city beyond.
Tiger Riding for Beginners 