Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Colorado Christmas

draping lights under
a moon shrouded by snow clouds
I ponder mountain winters
that I have never known
except in travel brochures

a mist of snow clouds
veils the moon, lights the lake with
a silvery luster
defines the darkened landscape
without making anything clear


Monday, September 2, 2013

Sept 2, 2013

I planted new flowers in August
six weeks before frost time
it seemed like the right time
the summer had dried up the spring
and it was time for fresh color in my soul



Notes: A tanka in form if not syllable count. <shrugs> Sometimes they come out this way; fast and obvious but not perfectly formed.  
August was the start of school... now the reader has context. 


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Creativity education

Lately, I've been paying attention to the creative process. Since tanka has been part of it, this NPR report had particular interest this morning. A lot of what Pinsky talks about can apply specifically to tanka, but in general to anyone who writes. Poetry or not.

http://www.npr.org/2013/08/06/209256446/pinskys-singing-school-poetry-for-the-verse-averse

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

July 28, 2013

This Sunday morning 
soft rain intones misgivings
about today’s talk
my heart flutters in fear
and the creek is running full.  

7/24/12

Shimmers of sunlight
off water stirred by pelicans
in the early sun
gliding in effortless grace          
consorts moving as lovers


Shimmers of moonlight
reflected in still water
now the wind begins         
the flash suddenly scattered            
my heart flung to the wind's whim


Shimmers of pewter
murky waters stirred from within
this fond reverie
becomes an obscured vision
waiting for pelicans’ return

July 2013

To climb a mountain
dig your toes into the stones
listen carefully.
Going downhill is faster,
how to leave mountains behind?

July 8, 2013

A stone for zafu
the forest all sound and fragrance
the wind through the pines 
interrupted by lightening
and now we have to decide. 

Monday, July 29, 2013

This year

Tsukimi is on September 19th this year. Moonviewing plans are imminent.

Moonrise

Tsukimi is the Japanese festival of the autumn moon. 

My affection for this holiday goes far back in my life; I've always had an affinity for the full moon. And then there was that September in Hong Kong... and the fascination with Japanese culture starting in high school... Well, I suppose it all bundles together.