have another go






after the late harvest
fresh shoots spark up
from the chopped stubs
on the Sagami plains

is it spring already?
but the paddies are dry
tadpoles only boys' doubts
no crayfish snipping shafts

crows seem to be saying
'one more time...one more time'
thin, sagging golden shades
grandfathers have passed on

but their progeny dream
quarry pooled memories
undulating green waves
asking 'why not? why not?'


© 2004 Joseph Dias