Words of My Father

Senryu

Trash scattered about.
The neighbor’s dog, head hung down,
avoiding my gaze.

[see vii, on Haiku poems]

Bereft of their blooms,
do the thorny rose bushes
grieve as much as I?

[see ix, on Haiku poems]

Oh, curious bug
climbing up my kitchen wall,
don’t look down on me.

[see iii, on Haiku poems]

Were I to leave shore
would the waves swallow me up?
Would I return again?

[see x, on Haiku poems]

Would I travel far
if I had six legs and wings
or would I stay home?

[see xxii, on Haiku poems]

Has my life become
like the hapless horseshoe
leaning against the pin?

In my typing chair,
staring at the monitor,
waiting for e-mail

Haiku

[see xiv, on Haiku poems]

When the frost returns,
portending the winter snows,
will I be patient?

[see iv, on Haiku poems]

Dark clouds hovering,
obscuring the winter sun.
Snow is sure to fall.

[see xv, on Haiku poems]

Those fleecy mountains
rising on the western ridge.
My name called clearly.

[see xvii, on Haiku poems]

I seem to have learned
much about pain this winter.
Will I heal by spring?

Wearing my parka,
about to brave the snowstorm
in my galoshes.

Red nose, cold earlobes,
laughter, wet snowballs flying.
First winter snow day.

Get out those old skates,
muffler, coat and ear muffs.
There’s ice on the pond.