Tiger Riding for Beginners

Traveling Poet Philosopher & Occasional Wiseacre

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.

a barren tree
 stands in the temple yard:
  winter’s guardian.

waves jet upward
 with unpredictable rhythm:
  glance away, miss it.

hibiscus flowers 
 show their bright colors
  on a winter day.

cool winter day:
 clouds form thickly over 
  the hot springs.