Rising

waking every day
under a threadbare blanket
to an empty bed
–
bleary eyed-
the crows outside
contemplate murder

staying up all night
just to fall asleep with you
and the breaking dawn
–
frogs in the trees-
rising woodsmoke
staining the sunset

frost on the windows-
heat from the radiator
rustles the curtains
–
warm boots-
glowing embers
adrift in the smoke

by the temple gates
burning incense left as a
simple offering
–
hot springs-
steam rising from
the snow monkeys