late at night, the snow

is piling higher and higher

muffling the sounds of the waterfall

Ryokan

Waterfall canyon, Brazos Cliffs Christmas Day 2015

Who can sympathize with my life?

my hut lies near the top of the mountain,

and the path leading here is covered with weeds.

on the fence, a single gourd,

from across the river, the sound of logging.

ill, I lie on the pillow, and watch the sunrise.

a bird cries in the distance-

my only consolation.

Ryokan

the original  La Bajada Camino Real road south of Santa Fe, New Years Day

Wind and snow, then snow and rain:

tonight, awakened by the cry of a wild goose

in the dark, endless winter sky.

Ryokan