December’s last day—
 
even the old stone Buddha
 
embraces the change.

 
 
 

Just before New Year’s
 
the rosebush near my window
 
bears one white blossom.

 
 
 

Deepening winter—
 
how many more Christmases
 
can I hope to see?

 
 
 

December surprise—
 
the first bloodred camellia
 
makes the crow look twice.

 
 
 

Wind, relentless wind!
 
Not even a cat can nap
 
with all this roaring!

 
 
 

After Christmas Day,
 
my neighbor’s old grey tabby
 
takes her final nap.

 
 
 

Christmas afternoon—
 
bitter winds from Canada
 
make the juncos flinch.

 
 
 

Christmas Eve concert:
 
birds at the empty feeder
 
clamor for more seeds.

 
 
 

After the solstice,
 
monks in the mountain zendo
 
meditate at dawn.

 
 
 

First week of winter—
 
the path to the rose garden
 
is dusted with snow.