Tanka by Norman Darlington

The sun shines down

Through a small gap in the clouds

A moment  before dusk.

The evening breeze will scatter

This little pile of leaves.

Even here
Among high mountains
The path runs in the valley.
Whichever way I look
My view somehow obscured.

The hills have been denuded
Robbing bandits
Of their cover.
Where can my heart hide now
From day's piercing light?

Earthworm,
Earth passes through you
Passing through the earth.
The day draws ever closer
When you and I are one.

Cherry viewing season

Passes here so quickly.
Wasn't it

Just yesterday,

This memory of my youth?