elements

火

five mountains of fire
casting light to show the way
to the far beyond
yet my spirit harkens back
to that ancient longed-for place

will the summer pass
without my house and garden
going up in flames?
ashes of tachibana
on the lake a silken fan

first hint of russet
vivid as the sun goes down
takes the breath away
a season with such promise
my heart will break thereafter

seeing the moon at dawn
sheltered and alone mid sky
all is clear and true
treetops vibrant in the wind
bright flame of autumn’s splendor

by the candle’s flame
shadows of pale aged ink
on the empty page
story of a life untold
ashes scattered in the wind

地

that ancient dwelling
in warm mysterious earth
deep and still long since
my heart began to quicken
in answer to life’s whisper

this clear shining day
I walked to the ancient runes
over tangled roots
witness to our days long since
protector of deep secrets

sweet magnolia tree
I feared you died last winter
during wind and snow
but here you are dressed in pink
welcoming the poet’s touch

each time I return
to feel the pulse of ages
beat beneath the new
lone monk chanting the sutras
shadows on a mossy stone

climbing the steep hill
a pillow of stone offers
deep and dreamless sleep
as wind rustles winter pines
a clear moon graces the sky