Whispers of the Wind

so close now, the spring / a child's brow furrows in sleep / against the morning sun

on the shrine's path / a camellia lights the way / a sacred winter lamp

a round orange rests / a small sun in my palm / glowing against the cold

shoulders stiff with strain / as year-end tasks now consume— / december's relentless surge

ruby dawn bleeds light / ice fangs erupt from hoary ground / air, a razor's edge

wave-lashed winter dark / lighthouse beam surrenders now / sea’s icy, thunderous roar

numbed by winter’s chill / mother’s dream, sorrow’s embrace / waken, heart in pain

year-end gathering / bittersweet memories linger / farewell’s gentle cheer

my call fades, unheard / child snug in futon’s warm hold / frosty winter morning

at the crowded station / perfume wakes me from New Year's / air, workday begins

light snow veils streetscape / touches rims of my glasses / fades, ephemeral

rails reflect soft sun / winter’s glow, blue sky resides— / a canvas of blue