Kasen: The Chestnut Tree

the chestnut tree
down on Rue Saint-André
freshness across town

my balcony in shadow
just sunlight in the wind

caught in the mirror
on the wall
the glimmer of a lamp

the pale wooden floor clacks
beneath the cat's tread

the brightening moon
beneath, a hunter dozes
ducks all flown

a rap at the door
pumpkins at the window

* * * * * * * *

September sky
an airplane turns our thoughts
to the twin towers

not knowing if he's there
still amongst the ruins

a level up
to win over his Venus
a long ladder

on the way back
the radio masks the silence

a fruity sangria
before the sun goes down
some mood music

brand new traffic lights
the red a bit more red

under the white moon
a single apple
covered up in snow

the chestnuts roast
on the charcoal of the fireplace

in the looming dusk
the first words appear
of some freakish yarn

a telephone rings
he finishes the bank job

the pink almond tree
unveils its flower buds
leafless

kiosk in Saint-Louis Square
their first ice cream

* * * * * * * *

a punk with
multicoloured bunches
crosses the street

little nun all in black
Fêtes de la Nouvelle France

near the piano
the curtain dangles
to pieces

ants just stroll around
on the blank score sheet

at the drive-in
herbs drift on the breeze
rape on the screen

with the perfect dive
a sudden clamour rises

sirens blare
in the coastal city
tsunami alert

she sings a lullaby
the child won’t sleep

waking up the lovers
get dressed silently
replace their rings

the crowded terraces
5 to 7 between colleagues

walking alone
beneath the autumn moon
I breathe out fog

a deer crosses the road
nostrils and tail erect

* * * * * * * *

yellowing newsprint
sunflower seeds dry
on the Stanley Cup

a burnt dust smell
the heat exchanger ticking

at the metro air vent
a tramp drags on a butt
lipstick red

an old ten dollar bill
this spring top coat

after the downpour
a fragrance of tisane
beneath the lindens

the swallow's beak brings
paper tissue nestwards

Composed, Sunday 17th July 2005
at the appartment of Anne-Marie Labelle, Montreal

Micheline Beaudry: sabaki, Anne-Marie Labelle: co-sabaki