January 1, 2008

No snowflake ever falls
In the wrong place.

—Ts'ai Ken T'an

* * *

Received in a New Year's greeting from the Centre Zen de la Main, Montreal.

Hudson River Haiku

"Give me the high seas,
Give me the salty water."
Call me Shemp Howard.

* * *

5.30.07
8:28 a.m.
approaching Marble Hill station

Hudson River Haiku

Heinous things today—
Those shoes, particularly—
Thank God for eyelids.

* * *

5.10.07
8:57 a.m.
approaching Yonkers station

Hudson River Haiku

Wind fanning the trees—
Figuring the river's depth—
Those cliffs: a sheer drop.

* * *

5.22.07
8:48 a.m.
Hastings-on-Hudson station

Hudson River Haiku

My eyes deceive me.
River flowing upriver.
Back from whence it came.

* * *

5.15.07
8:26 a.m.
Hastings-on-Hudson station

Hudson River Haiku

If you're in the front
You might be shit out of luck;
Move to the last car.

* * *

5.02.07
9:00 a.m.
approaching Harlem - 125th Street station

Hudson River Haiku

Listening for peace
Within the quietude now—
I can hear it here.

* * *

5.08.07
8:55 a.m.
approaching Yonkers station

Hudson River Haiku

Sun casts long shadow—
Fright wig silhouette stares back—
Find a new stylist.

* * *

5.04.07
8:41 a.m.
Hastings-on-Hudson station

Hudson River Haiku

If I were a bird,
I could soar over water,
My wings reflected.

* * *

5.01.07
9:57 a.m.
approaching Greystone Station

Hudson River Haiku

A four-minute walk
From front door to train platform,
River view and all.

* * *

4.30.07
9:02 a.m.
approaching Grand Central Station

Hudson River Haiku

The river in rain—
Water dripping on water—
Tears or a bath? Yes.

* * *

4.27.07
8:42 a.m.
approaching Harlem - 125th Street station

Hudson River Haiku

My river! At last!
Sheer cliffs over to my left,
And straight ahead: life.

* * *

4.26.07
8:32 a.m.
approaching Marble Hill station