The Cruelest Night: A Sijo

Loneliness seizes night with its teeth
and growls, I'll eat you up

Savoring the bright moon, flowering trees
my Li Po, my wine cup, and my dreams

until daybreak, it picks its teeth
with the thin threads of faint sunlight

Winter 2010 issue of Rust+Moth

I've Dreamed of You: A Sijo

You come and go with no traces left
as the flame of my heart rises and falls

You laugh and cry with no sounds heard
as the beat of my heart waxes and wanes

Distressed in the wake of a dream
I hear time passing in the sound of snow

Winter 2010 issue of Rust+Moth.

Sleepless Night

Night without end. My heart clings
to the lower tip of the crescent moon.

In bleeding calculation
I evaluate the price.

Vast -- in its passion ratio
to that of my withering body!

November 2009 Issue of Word Catalyst

Flies and I (Sijo)

After a cascade of showers
slanting sunlight slips into my room

Followed by a swarm of flies
buzzing around like aimless tourists

Alone, I have nothing to do but
become their tour guide

September, 2009 issue of Word Catalyst

I Am a Reluctant Polygamist (Sijo)

Loneliness assumes its wifely role at dawn
preparing for me three meals of tenderness

Moon is an unstable mistress after sunset
seducing me with the waxing and waning of its charms

Though polygamous, Dream is my true love
offering comfort no matter what the time of day

March 2010 issue of Word Catalyst