Song of the Geese

"Without daydreams
About red dust, in the pale sun
I'm peacefully at ease, or among moss
And flowers with a staff and clogs,
Or in the wooded shadow
Near an incense lamp."

Huai Ku, from "Living at a Monastery, Send to Chien Chang'






Last snow
of the season collects along the bent grass
of city marsh
not a person in sight but footprints
show their absence.

With the sun an open box
of shining diamonds in all directions
there's no need
for daydreams of coming seasons,
my two feet placed
firmly sunk in the cold mud,
the air vibrates
two geese honking past.

Tonight
I will walk to the front doorway
of the house
and look out across the street
to the velvety shadows
of the Yahara river
where tomorrow flows.