marlene mountain
other-line haiku sequence
late 1970 (georgia)

japan

Visiting the home,
   I watch him ring the bell
      for his dead father.

On a social call--
   receiving instructions
      on incense lighting.

Flower master's house.
   The son talks about
      their arguments.

Daughter-in-law
   gives away
      a gift for the dead.

On my knees
   before the dead man's picture:
      soap and incense.

 

essay 'shy impressions of a knee-worn traveler'
'japan series' tear outs
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