Mark Apel“Komakusa”
I do not see the “horse face” blossoms,
I see the breaking and bursting hearts
Pouring out both grief and joy at my feet,
As my shins grace your ferned fringe,
Your piney mint,
Your lacey-leafed bosom.
You are the Red Yucca of Towada Lake,
The blushing ghosts of the Hakkōda Peaks,
The tired paint brushes
On the trails of the Oirase Valley.
I am so happy to have found you.
If I could lift your face, I would.