Even in Kyoto

by Michael Dylan Welch and Jennifer Sutherland

First published in Presence #71, November 2021, page 80. Originally written in May of 2020 by email. The title of this rengay alludes to a famous haiku by Bashō.

blushing blossoms—

the nightingale floor

of Nijo Castle Michael

tourists stroll Hanamikoji

rumours of geisha Jennifer

dark-green maples . . .

we ask the way

to Kiyomizu-dera Michael

falling leaves . . .

the moonlit sand

of Ginkaku-ji Jennifer

ducks going at it

by the Philosopher’s Walk Michael

bamboo forest—

a dust of snow

on the empty rickshaw Jennifer