Zenkoji Morning

Zenkoji morning
Snow fills the space of my dreams
I chase home the Ox

Coursing deeper ground
To step beyond each moment
Absent destiny

My hands toss incense
To let the smoking belly
Empty me skyward

Binzuru is still
His face decaying as mine
Rubbed away by time

Prayer wafts through my soul
Winds breathe past Zenkoji gates
I am but vanished

Nagano, 1998