Tanka Sequence
The
Empty Hour Glass
how cold
you’ve grown
more beautiful, yet distant—
autumn dusk
I’ll wear my most splendid gown
sequined and bold with color
I watch the stars
in the sky all night, waiting—
morning cold
just before day break I hear
your footsteps on the front porch
I can not stay—
like the autumn geese
it is time to leave
I have tried to sculpt our love
but your clay is inferior.
everything is gray
even the autumn colors—
blind with tears
I pack my few possessions
leaving behind your gifts
why do I wait?
life here finished long ago
in the car
I adjust the rear view mirror
behind me a harvest moon
