Photo by Kit Pancoast Nagamura

By Kit Pancoast Nagamura

in remaindered shadows
behind the abandoned shrine
the damp earth yard
has the shiny skin 
of a water mammal

someone has dropped here
an empty crumpled pack
of Peace cigarettes,
and the metal top of
a One Cup sake container

who was it who stood here
behind the smell of wood rot,
where the mosquitos  
slowly scout one out 
in a squadron of retribution?

walking around to the front
of the shrine, the vaguely leaning 
mossy yawning entrance 
holds only remnant shreds of
the former hanging bell rope

a breeze soft as soot
twirls a yellowed leaf, cherry, 
(autumn’s first to fall)
and drops it right beside the
frail ribs of the offering box

on its spotty bug-nibbled spine
the leaf cradles back and forth
each time the wind sweeps by
and eddies near the altar 
impulsive as a forgotten god

Kit Pancoast Nagamura completed a Ph.D. in literature shortly after moving to Japan permanently. She has co-hosted NHK World's HAIKU MASTERS for three years, and her haiku awards include Prizes of Excellence from Ito-en Oi Ocha International Contest and the Setouchi-Matsuyama International Photo/Haiku Contest, and first place in the 2020 Santoka International Haiga contest. 

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