in a thriving wood, sits a barren patch of understory. oh what tales locals tell about the patch that can't grow!
Understory Lore [Tanka]
5

a deer walks,
making less sound than
most squirrels.

a heron surveys
the gently flowing river
with great patience.



shadowland edges,
and a liquid metal stripe:
river sunset.



for any deer pair,
there’s one cautious,
& one obstinate.


early autumn morn:
fog forms over the river
‘cause the water ‘s “warm.”

deer eyes walker.
jumbo jets scream overhead,
but it heard stick crack.