New Year Tanka

#1

turning prayer wheels
on the last day
of the year

a child's song
echoes from the mountains



#2

the scientist sighs
at the sight of lifeless
lab animals--
which race can embrace
the gift of the Fuhrer?



#3

within the folds
of a paper rose
i keep tracing
the bends and alleys
of our talk



#4

can death
add one star
to the night -
mom's wooden owl
stares blankly



#5

throwing pebbles
into the pond--
ripples grow
within waning ripples
of memory



#6

i may hold
one full moon
between my fingers
but not the dreams
that slip beyond my view



#7

a mild rain
as night ends
your words
plopping into the muteness
of leaves



#8

you may burn
a hundred memories
i remain embalmed
in your self-seeking love
a helpless duck in an oil slick



#9

the more
we drift apart
i feel the sea wind
gathering
the rustiness of memories



#10

'sorry
for coming late'
echoes
a mockingbird
exploring the broken nest



#11

your nearness
as with a spring blaze
makes me dizzy--
even with a heat-suit
i fear the lava



#12

sea
without a wave
floats the moon--
towed to my dream
I've been sailing for ages