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