Tiger Riding for Beginners

Traveling Poet Philosopher & Occasional Wiseacre

the sunny side
 of the mountain falls into
  a cloud’s shadow.

the last few leaves 
 tenaciously hang on
  into mid-winter.

even the small mountains
 hide their tops in the clouds:
  rainy winter day.

prayer placards 
 ring a Chinese banyan:
  weathered wishes hanging.

roots held up the wall;
 the wall supports the tree.
  now, they’re one & same.

the moon is hazy;
 whether it’s the clouds or
  my mind, I can’t say.

a heron stands
 with perfect stillness,
  in frigid water.

the koi cluster
 at one end of the pond:
  anticipating mana.

cymbals crash &
 horns blow, a dragon weaves up-street:
  winter festivities!

frangipani
 have dropped leaves & blossoms,
  & stand gnarled & nude.