3/5/13

ancient lullaby
whispered song of falling rain
dream as old as time

Sesshin 2013

MONDAY
warm midwinter day
as we walk this rock-strewn path
I am not alone

TUESDAY
zendo, winterlight
birds arise from floor's woodgrain
mind/no-mind takes flight

WEDNESDAY
'Crackle!' cellophane
Papa's one go at zazen
Scent of peppermint

THURSDAY
Hinamatsuri
Tight kimonos her downfall
Quick! She's on her feet

FRIDAY (Oriyoki Blues)
Under the table
my feet jitter nervously
first oriyuki

vinegar sharp bite
muffled coughs into my sleeve
humiliation

oriyoki blues
only stone I've left to turn
eat meals with my feet


FULL MOON
otsukimi wa
honto ni ureshii
ii kimochi!

Kono tsukimi
Full moon, gift to everyone
Dad, I feel you near

Full moon ritual
kowtow 'til my pants fall down
exposed earthbound moon

SATURDAY
wash the dragon's face
don't forget to brush her teeth
Green Gulch winter day

first winter sesshin
haven't pooped in five whole days
please be more than farts

lizard in the sun
we both freeze reflecting fear
proof that we are One

salamander flips
tumbles down the rocky stair
hatsukashii

stumble down the stairs
salamander looks shame-faced
Blush from head to tail

TEACHER
Tanuki  Sensei
beats his belly like a drum
under the full moon

roach as rakusu
Teacher knows just what to do
wears it on his head