Thorny Nightshade [Tanka]

thorny leaves
and poisonous fruits;
if ever
a plant wanted 
to be left alone!

Wild Strawberries [Tanka]

wild strawberries
line the hiking trail;
 red fruits entice,
such that even rain clouds
can't deter the foragers

The Sleeping Cat [Tanka]

the sleeping cat
yanks its head up to see
what fell & why,
and then goes back to sleep --
master slumberer at work

May Orchids [Tanka]

tiny white orchids
hug tree trunks & branches,
hiding out of sight --
except those at valley's edge,
 broadcasting their time is short

Tiny Daisies [Tanka]

tiny daisies
stand still under gloomy skies;
then one shakes
(pelted by a raindrop)
then another, then all

Hide & Seek [Kyōka]

the icy mountain
plays hide & seek in the clouds
like a five-year-old
playing the game
for the first time, ever

Forest Stupa [Tanka]

a stone monument
stands on the forest path;
i stop,
paying my respects
to the unknown esteemed

The Sprawl [Tanka]

the rain tree sprawl
endomes the whole street.
folks miss the light show
and its leafy glory,
while enjoying coolness.

Driftwood Deception [Tanka]

nestled between rocks
the smooth-worn driftwood roots
assume the form
of a pile of writhing snakes,
'til the mind untangles truth

A One-Drop Ocean, Briefly [Tanka]

waves smash onto rock.
fountain spurts arc skyward.
one droplet hangs
for an instant, flips & drops,
reuniting with its sea.