as is noted

so many blossoms
swaying in the slow summer breeze
golden against green
we truly do not measure
such sharp beauty with justice

moments of sharp pain

we dare not ask how
all the moments of sharp pain
freeze into silence
there are so many answers
but we cannot hear a one

as we proceed toward
the place we least expected
to find ourselves in
we discover just how each
measure of value deepens

expectation

all times become one
out of dark no monsters come
we wait a long age
in hope of midnight rainfall
so great is our daily need

flags decaying

innocent ending
the colours say everything
that has to be said
if we wait any longer
all will be over and done

looking downward from the classroom

leaves begin tinting
green still dominates the eye
earth keeps on turning
there is no backward motion
time must eat its children raw

careful attention

pale autumn sunset
across green forest silence
pleasant the shadows
inside no voices speaking
observing the fading light

a summery moment

this light cannot die
the summer's heat must wither
more than our mere hope
lest each of the new makers
discover the plainest truth

tankas for a perfect day

magic in fresh air
wind soft on faces touching
each of us gently
marking each second with joy
winter ends for us right now

buds on the branches
happy signal of the change
remaking the year
reminder of the season
flowers soon will be coming

beyond each moment
life itself tells us nothing
appreciate it
divinely happy laughter
the colours of rejoicing

tankas for an early spring

heartless desiring
winter's harshness now ceasing
to end its long reign
the weight of spring rain cleansing
the dull grey dust off our souls

heartfelt reminding
winter's dark centre leaving
passing to southward
the rain pelts down not waiting
for its official season