Mid Spring
from the Black Book Two
my wide blue sky -
a cherry blossom peace
across the land 170
floating on the lake -
the moon
sleeping ducks 171
too excited now
to sit on spring branches
the birds swoop and soar 173
why cast away
so many perfect petals
proud magnolia? 174
all dignity gone
until still and dry -
heron without a fish 175
a warm sun
on a perfect spring day -
all I see is blue 176
my first Monarch -
it falls towards the ground
then flutters away 177
in the heat
bird calls fail -
the world slows 178
no temple here
but earth, lake, sky -
and me 179
every night
a pathway of stars -
just out of reach 180
while they can
midges gather
and are swept away 182
trying to find
a way past my home -
young bumblebee 183
there are no fireflies
to brighten
my evening 184
green grass -
the suns joy
on every blade 186
nature
uninterrupted
by a temple bell 187
if only the lake
could kiss
the mountain 188
what shame -
the willow forced to live
amongst the ducks 190
the moon -
brighter and brighter
as I look at it 191
blossom -
it makes no difference
the colour 194
oh cherry blossom
do not leave -
stay for me 197
upturned collars
threatening tomorrows rain
iron sky 198
before the rain
lakeside rocks bare -
Waka on the beach 199
bamboo
in a pot -
new leaves awry 200
plumless tree once more
having to buy jam
from the store 203
the wood burner
oohs and aahs
with every log 204
shining through
the spring leaves -
a green moon 205
this way and that
is it broken?
spring butterfly 208
boy with his football
one kick downhill
a thousand back up 209
no trace now
of fallen blossom -
waiting for spring 210
in the glow
of yellow flowers
harvest moon 213
up Mapara road
where the trees stand and
the sun sets 220
listing -
the duck
checks its leg 223
following children
to the dairy for some nosh -
Nukuhau mosquito 224
spring morning -
crunching along the shore
Whakaipo Bay 225
All poetry (c) Steven Clarkson 2012-2013