the apricot tree
 
awaits its winter pruning—
 
blackbird winks at me

 
 
 

It is hard to pray
 
when my plum tree is groaning
 
because of the snow.

 
 
 

Midwinter morning—
 
I bow before the plum tree
 
now covered with snow.

 
 
 

Twelfth Night ritual–
 
we burn the withered pine wreath
 
and the Christmas tree.

 
 
 

Early morning rain—
 
more leaves fall from the plum tree,
 
littering the lawn.

 
 
 

First day of the month—
 
an oak tree stripped of its leaves
 
hosts a raucous crow.

 
 
 

Early in autumn
 
only a few leaves have dropped
 
from my cherry tree.