kyoto crow(s) & tonkatsu zen
by David Prater
[ poetry - august 04 ]
kyoto crow(s)
we are many we are one kyoto
crow(s) built by basho wings a
trigger or a swoop the fantailed
roof shine beak(s) crow patrol
command high rises the entire
dim days plans collapse spare
flight paths then or red clouds
glitter rush released the night
reconstructs an atoms dresses
end weaves miniature cranes
down on impossible street as
daylight narcotic canals paper
plates announce new vending
machines advancing mornings
jettisoned our bansai awnings
the day shines smoking "lark"
tonkatsu zen
I've always hated cabbage but
My yearning for tonkatsu means
I'm shovelling the stuff, pouring
Wine on some divine shredded
Leaf - oh sweet relief! To find
A rhyme! My Casio watch
Glows in dual time & I don't care -
I'm here, you're there, between
Us these mountains of cabbage love,
& no need for conversations
(or, no time); we grind sesame,
& add more wine... the beer, yes,
very fine, our chicken fried,
the miso bowl... wide
enough! I feel yakuza tough
(inside) & this tonkatsu joint
chosen at random from Kyoto's
mystical millions cries spray-on
neon! Armies of pickled chillies!
Inevitably I do parley "Karappo!"
In my earworm loves pink heart
Beyond the glares Pachinko Citys
fabled happy endings, of which we
possess no need, having sated our
hunger's obvious desire for speed
a miniature bill's arrival to depart
returning change like a sacred art
