One Plum Blossom

One Plum Blossom
© Surazeus
2025 10 14

The fat frog splashes in still algae pond, 
disturbing tense calm of the universe 
with arrogant disdain for solitude 
that shatters sordid silence of the swamp 
and scatters fairies on gossamer wings 
which swarm around me, thirsty for my blood. 

Hypnotic voice of the summer cicada 
penetrates hard rock on the river shore 
with shocking wisdom of tranquility 
that measures how endlessly falling rain 
soaks everything but old wood temple hall 
where sensuous scent of silence slowly swirls. 

Tall oak tree by shallow stream of regret 
wears gown of gold leaves when she twirls in dance 
while sisters peel cucumbers and eggplants 
since lonely insects sing to the thin moon 
that glides across tranquil lake of the sky 
with earnest calmness of the dragonfly. 

Alone on porch of the house veiled with snow 
he chews on dried salmon of innocence 
and writes verse of his last heart-breaking song 
in sparkling whiteness of eternity 
which vanishes in heat of the noon sun 
though ache of sorrow remains in his heart. 

The quick bee staggers from peony bloom, 
legs powdered with gold pollen of desire, 
and drifts on feverish wings to large hive 
nestled in heart of shelter-sprawling elm 
where she deposits treasure of her heart 
so fairies may brew honey from her pain. 

Weird flower of butterflies in the sky, 
scarlet with glow of obsessive sunset, 
floats over desolate moors of lost faith 
where faceless wanderer, stuck in vain quest, 
weeps at sight of mountains curtained by rain 
which splashes laughter on still algae pond. 

Full moon glowing just above the wood roof 
appears as sign for weary travelers 
to eat hot noodles with onions and eggs 
then watch old woman under cherry tree 
mold river clay into sturdy tea cups 
white and round as the moon among clouds. 

The princess in yellow silk gown of joy 
plucks melancholy melody of loss 
on delicate shamisen at her breast 
so timeless surface of the moon-white pond 
reflects mask of her face in countless eyes 
who watch one plum blossom descend forever.