Winter Breaths
Tonight’s taka (hawk)
takes flight - -
the warmth of your eyes; remembered
Ko no ha - - (tree leaves)
the shamelessly bare apple trees
We laugh at visible laughter - - December night
Karegiku - - (withered mums)
the shadow of leaves, darkens the path
This tea, also beyond expiration - - December rose
Yellow blossom, why must you
brighten this dreary day?
That solemn Aspen, now laughing with light - - Morning snow
New time zone - - the differences between us
Cold crow - -
Again, a sharp pain, cuts my heart.
Mandarin moon - -
Why must you know
all my secrets?
My hair tangled with winter’s breath - - First snow
Popping moon -- alone,
this feeling grows to fill nothing
I’m in no rush to leave the art gallery - - final exams
Two moons --
our reflections,
bundled in scarves
No word from home,
yet the buds promise of spring
D. Russell, 05
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