Sadness – Page 48 – Iron Haiku

horror on parade
the fires of war march on while
death wields the baton
–
a murder of crows-
five men lower
their rifles

on a gilded throne
far from the unwashed masses
counting his money
–
gauzy clouds-
spreading gold
on the ocean

dark autumn’s collapse
the strongest and tallest trees
were the first to fall
–
velvet shadows-
deep hollows
where winter lies

long ago I was
your knight in shining armor
now I’m just tarnished
–
rusted hinges-
an old mare
out to pasture

my view, distorted
looking up from the bottom
of this hole I’ve dug
–
a rimy pond-
peering up through
frozen cataracts

sitting on the dock
losing patience waiting for
my ship to come in
–
a cold hard rain-
the dog brings
her leash

swallowing my doubts
returning day after day
in case you wake up
–
patchwork sunlight-
I brush the sleep
from your lips

guttering gas lamps
weakly lighting the platform
where she waits, in vain
–
the scent of jasmine-
a silent stream
turns to ice

a sprit of fire
shining brightly in the night
dowsed before it’s time
–
all at once-
the dancing flame
now only smoke

a warm southern breeze
long willow boughs sway gently
caressing the earth
–
spring rains-
the willow’s soft tears
darken the ground