For Karai Senryū (1718–1790)

by Marc Isaac Potter

A plain distinct

chickadee,

tilts her head

toward a shivering leaf.

Far too long,

     ● Winter. Yet the failure

Of this life

Finally, lies down

To die,

                          Sometimes the

                          pain is so great,

                          we can barely

                          take the next breath.

From White Enso 7, Spring/Summer 2023.