December journey—
 
I stumble through the shadows
 
on an empty street.

 
 
 

Tell me again why
 
I need to make this journey
 
through autumn’s darkness.

 
 
 

strong summer yearning—
 
once again to pack my bags
 
for a long journey

 
 
 

Summer’s first journey—
 
the path that seemed straightforward
 
took some turns and twists.

 
 
 

My long journey ends—
 
I seek my little plum tree
 
and rest in its shade.

 
 
 

Christmas Eve journey—
 
tramping to the bird feeder,
 
I bear gifts of seed.

 
 
 

before starting out
 
on the longest of journeys
 
one more cup of tea

 
 
 

Between here and there,
 
a long and lonely journey—
 
come with me, blackbird!

 
 
 

a journey too long
 
to make in less than a year—
 
the first plum blossom

 
 
 

Peony blossoms—
 
I think of having missed them
 
had I journeyed on.