Japan by Rail 1991

This set of haiku were my original set, long stored away, written to celebrate a journey across Japan in 1991. And of course the the source of the original inspiration for mine and everyone’s haiku.

Main station, Tokyo

A giant stands patiently

Rush hour swirls around

 —

Conductor bows low

From the window, low clouds drift

Mount Fuji still smokes

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At bloody hell pond

Crimson waters steam gently

Trees stripped to the bark

 —

Under the volcano

Children woke by low rumbles

Still the day goes on

 —

Monks sit by the door

Brushes rest in clear water

Hands write on demand

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Open spaces, fawn deer

Visitors feed them by hand

Satisfied they leave

 —

Temples stand lonely

On every remote hill

Where the eagles fly

 —

Green tea, orange taste

Red squirrels share the table

Blue skies warm the bones