milky way

delicate sounds
of the early spring
taking time
to melt the waterfall
shining in the sun          

sound of rain
outside my bedroom
morning lullaby
             

soft drops
of humidity
in Tokyo
no one notices
my tears                

shall I go. . .
                    shall I stay?
the absence of thunder
    

pouring
your favorite
blueberry tea
under the stars
scent of firewood

cloudless skies
seedlings after
last year’s ashes

    by Mariko Kitakubo and Deborah P Kolodji