Winter – Page 37 – Iron Haiku

Rising

by the temple gates
burning incense left as a
simple offering
–
hot springs-
steam rising from
the snow monkeys

death comes unbidden-
a brief pause before leaving
to collect his due
–
icicles-
melting in
the winer sun

visiting the well
my wooden bucket dipping
deep in the moonlight
–
alongside the lake-
the harvest moon
follows me home

splintering sunlight
broad winter shadows reaching
out across the lea
–
fresh snow-
a smattering
of paw prints

bitter grievances
at the holiday table
long past time for peace
–
unrelenting
a winter river
choked with ice

lies in the mirror
not what we truly are but
what we wish to be
–
leafless-
reflections in
the watery sky

pulled taut and snapping
the pole holding fast the flag
standing at half mast
–
icy rain
her cheeks
freshly wet

waiting for the thaw
beneath fallen leaves and snow
a box turtle sleeps
–
frosted windows-
deeply burrowed
under blankets

the year’s longest night
herald the winter solstice
ere the morning comes
–
watching our breath-
the black of night
pierced by stars

a torn cap worn low
collar turned against the wind
shrouded in darkness
–
a squalid doorway-
scant shelter from
the bitter cold