tanka #1

cherry in full bloom
poised to release its petals
clinging to this moment
I suddenly recall
I am well past my prime

76th

just a light dusting

in your uppermost branches -

white magnolia

75th

wispy willow

awaiting her fountains -

billows of longing

74th

dusk mockingbird

sings into the stillness

and the deep earth hums

73rd

and she waits

thorns glistening with rain -

woody rosebush

72nd

the moan of March winds

in April -

nature's April Fool

71st

patient pear tree

offers tiny bud bouquets

to the cloudless blue

70th

pendulous blossoms

release ripening spring -

magnolia

69th

weeping cherry

your long flowing pink beard

makes me smile

68th

dogwood, magnolia -

your names are hidden to me

until you flower

67th

dogwood draped in white

how bittersweet the tossing

of your bouquet

66th

dark clouds open and

(bright crescent deeply set) close -

ephemeral gift

65th

brush of the sunset

dips low -

cherry blossoms