For Kawamura Yoichi
For Kawamura Yoichi
On the tenth anniversary of your death
the lavish bamboo drops a full moon
of yellow petals, little tongues
singing the ancient songs
to whomever will listen—
the nighthawk gives all he has,
opening his eyes among the blue stars,
Buddha sits among angels beside the wild river
and laughs, touching mountain and cloud,
and a new generation waits to blossom,
with the green rain of distant Samsara.
11.08.06
— William O’Daly
Published in Sacramento News and Review, September 2, 2010