Dandelions

 
 
 

Despite the deep drought,
 
seven dandelions bloom
 
against the stone wall.

Quivering

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
as you flit from branch to branch,
 
the oak tree quivers.

Shrine

 
 
 

In a wooded place,
 
a tiny shrine to Mary
 
houses garter snakes.

Buddha

 
 
 

Before the Buddha
 
mastered walking on water,
 
he sank fifty times.

After

 
 
 

after the party
 
a white linen tablecloth
 
dappled with red wine

Kite

 
 
 

A red silken kite
 
chases a frightened sparrow
 
through the clear blue sky.

Eyes

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
the cat and her black kitten
 
keep their eyes on you.

End

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
when I reach my journey’s end,
 
will you greet me there?

Sing

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
at my father’s funeral
 
you began to sing.

Guide

 
 
 

Little brown sparrow,
 
as the blind man taps his way,
 
guide him with your song.