a teacher’s passing . . .
moonlight bathes
the apple tree

another light
now —
among the stars

a gentle breeze ripples
everywhere his words
leaves on grass

opening his book . . .
the world he offered
tumbles out

beyond emptiness
the moon filling itself
for certain

autumn evening . . .
adding another star
to the milky way

prayer flags
the autumn leaves carry
the blessings to you

cloudy day
the janitor misses
a fallen leaf

surf murmurs
the basso continuo
behind the dunes

this fragility —
white cranes laced
in the air