Sunrise at my back

moon set at my heart

the ground is frozen

when I offer incense

This morning the merlin

a line drawn in water

leaving no trace

no trace

a practice with the universe

Dogen's incense tickles my nose

Merlin has his own season

between blackened leaves

and ice skin on the pond

awake, he remains silent

I chant the Nembutsu

Neko-chan jumps into my lap

puts her nose on mine

nose to nose transmission

The sun will not rise

high on the horizon today

yet there is still warmth

that lingers here