Last day of the month—
 
spring moves on relentlessly,
 
leaving me behind!

 
 
 

First small joy of spring—
 
a young boy at the bike store
 
gets a bargain price.

 
 
 

First sorrow of spring—
 
my mother’s teacup shatters
 
on the kitchen floor.

 
 
 

First cleansing of spring—
 
I devote my day to tea
 
and meditation.

 
 
 

First bike ride of spring—
 
air hisses from the back tire
 
as I head for home.

 
 
 

first journey of spring—
 
a quick walk around the block
 
between rain showers

 
 
 

After weeklong rain,
 
rust on the garden-gate hinge
 
thickens as I watch.

 
 
 

First long walk of spring—
 
on a blossom-strewn pathway
 
my feet start praying.

 
 
 

First outing of spring—
 
the blackbird and I follow
 
a steep mountain path.

 
 
 

Relentless spring wind!
 
My neighbor clamps his hat down
 
on his balding head.