Three Tankas (Ancient Japanese poems)

A mourning grey sky

Hanging above the morning

Like a giant easel

Or an ageing cloud blanket

Sheltering the sleeping sun.

A hot cup of tea,

Crispy toast with bee honey

No butter today

You forgot to buy it, dear,

My figure is fine, thank you.

Teen crowds on sidewalks

Heavy legs on their way home

Cold tears on my hair

A scent of rain and Magie Noire

Stray dogs packing up for night.