Forest Poems 1—Faux-kus

Image of a hut in the forest

Faux-kus

I call these poems Faux-kus because they are faux haikus; written in a deliberate stylistic homage to Zen poetry but not adhering to haiku’s rigid metrical structure. Many of the haiku genre’s conventions are retained, such as brevity, seasonal references and the use of impressionistic suggestion to convey mood.


Just Ordained

Waking in my little hut
to see my new robes
hanging up

Hugging them
out of happiness.

I'm a monk! I'm a monk!


Shioak

If anyone ever asks
if plants have feelings
just tell them to look
at the tender way
the shioak tree cradles her dead children
in loving bent arms.


Spring Green

Today my treat
is sinking my feet
into cool thick clouds of clover.


The coldness of the
Late spring rain
has brought back
winter’s melancholy.

robin bird stealing thread from a shoe

Permission to a thief

Go on little robin!
Take as much thread
as you need
Make your nest
warm and cosy.


Ah nature!
I inhale you deeply.
Eyes to the sky

Bliss.


Go ahead little ants,
make your home in my umbrella.

The rain is coming.


Since I moved huts
my old forest paths
have started to disappear.

My footsteps
gone.

Forgotten.


The wisdom
of the flower
blossoming

in the darkness.


Sitting in the forest
Rain clouds coming.
I don't care if I get wet.


Matinée

When the sun is shining,
the metal roof of my hut
becomes a stage
for little lizard’s
to dance.
Their footsteps
drumming a beat,

then
a theatrical pause
to strike a pose
and warm themselves up.


Night

The shadows are malevolent.
The mosquito's buzz
is full of anger.

Tonight I am
an unwelcome guest
but still I'll stay
and sit a while longer.
Unafraid of the darkness.

Radiating light.


Winter’s first rain
drips into the drain pipe.

Music.


Bones

On the wet earth,
everywhere bones.
Bones of animal bones
Bones of trees
all broken now and useless.

And so it is. And so it is.


Resting now
Face to the sky
Eyes closed
Feeling the sunlight through branches.
Warm.
Content.
Satisfied.


Heavenly Realms

If you want to join
the feeders of heavenly nectar

first you’ll need
to seek the nectar in the earthy flower

then set your intention
and expectation
on the celestial fruit.


Illusion

Little children
offering
imaginary tea from imaginary cups—
Make believe.
Illusion.

This is how to see the world;
Playing games for children.

But knowing.
Always knowing.


Winter Winds

Screw you wind.
Throw yourself at my hut.
Snap branches
Crack trees.
But
you will not break me!
I shall sit here

still
silent
and resolute.