blossoms in february

there's no reason for change or alteration
but pink blossoms on the winter trees
the feel of warm moisture in the breeze
the daily changing of the solar declination
we see the change of season and station
and winter cries out urgently to cease
to move at once to a time of greater ease
no reason now for fear or perturbation
still with the time we wonder at the scene
that's set for us by hazy warmer days
when cold can strike with complete surprise
still the warm rain will shine and clean
the sun will warm us with returning rays
and fresher sights will come before our eyes

waiting is ending

we see the final product and are pleased
now ours the task to quantify and pay
to sign the myriad documents on the way
to have our old fears and worries eased
the last drops of our hoarding squeezed
to serve the needs of long-awaited day
this marks a new act in the well-known play
to have the moment and the future seized
what we do now we've thought and planned
the work and the achievement here combined
in what we hope will be a new-found ease
all that we need is here ready to hand
the products of our actions all refined
ready to serve and readier to please

tankas for an early spring

heartless desiring
winter's harshness now ceasing
to end its long reign
the weight of spring rain cleansing
the dull grey dust off our souls

heartfelt reminding
winter's dark centre leaving
passing to southward
the rain pelts down not waiting
for its official season