Falling

The following “Haiku from Index Cards” all begin with something to fall for.

falling blossoms . . .

I can say nothing

that’s not been said before

             (written 2010, published 2017)

falling in love—

we test how prickly

the holly leaves are

             (written 2009, published 2017)

falling leaves—

an oar drawn

out of an oarlock

             (written 1999, published 2007; see “From Shiki Haikusphere,” with Japanese translation)

falling rose petals . . .

the tattoo

on the pallbearer’s arm

             (written 1994, published 1999; see “Into a Roiling Sea” sequence)