Tanka Sequence

SEASONS

a twin baptism--

incense mingles

with lilacs;

the sweet and sharp blends

to a new fragrance   

a slow afternoon--
the cicadas' hum grows louder
in the pulsing heat
time stretches before me,
cool shadows just a dream   

true shape revealed
the trees bare--
there under a somber sky
I shed my robes alone
for no one's eyes but yours   

the first snow--
I hold out my tongue
to taste the cold
memories running pell-mell
back to childhood   

Modern Tanka Press