Tanka by Deborah Russel1

 

 

 

the night is cloudy

my cup is full of moonlight

one thousand bird songs

can not lift my heart

to the level of your eye

 

 

 

these distant mountains

a red hawk sails silently

and circles above

how far I am from your heart

on this side of the planet

 

 

 

december morning

only a chill runs through me

this distance of us

love appears and disappears

until no longer in sight

 

 

 

the tender beauty

of one dusty memory

how it shines, alone

I wrap in the morning sun

and imaginary arms

 

 

 

          these cicada songs

          this chatter of playful squirrels

          does not drown my thoughts

          of your smile when we parted

          one wonders did you love me?