Variations on 100 poems (#29)

White on white, the chrysanthemum
touched by an early frost.
Should I pick the flower
or leave it to its last surprising days?

Variations on 100 poems (#28)

Alone on the mountain,
my friends gone, leaves and grass
taking a winter nap: alone
with my thoughts.

Variations on 100 poems (#27)

The stream runs through the meadow
like a young girl, her hair tossing this way and that.
Have we met before?
If not, why this desire? Why this longing
to touch you?

Variations on 100 poems (#26)

The full moon maple,
named after Mount Ogura
has leaves shaped like bitter hearts
waiting for the emporer's procession
to pass under them on his way
from this city to that.

Variations on 100 poems (#25)

The trail climbing the mountain
outside Osaka is cloaked in vines.
If only they could be a secret path
leading her to me.