When no wind at all
ruffles the Kiri tree
leaves fall of their own will.
–Nozawa Bonchō (1640-1714), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

A single pane of glass
protects me from icy winds
who is more fragile?

I protect the glass
In turn, the glass protects me
Perfect symbiosis!

I try in vain to stem the tide
To see in stillness beauty untold
I try in vain to slow the ride
Not knowing
Beauty lies in how things unfold!

Storm

Windshield wipers strain
to clear my view but the storm
is on the inside

One foot leaves the ground
then the other. For a split
second, I’m flying!