WHAT THERE IS
contemporary haiku
© Robert L. Kusiolek

after the rain no sound but my footsteps on the pavement
	sudden gust of wind - in the oak tree's shadow a name carved in stone
		dripping from leaves onto an empty park bench, autumn rain
the house she lived in - now strangers arrive shaking snow from their boots
	moon slowly rising - in the coffee shop travelers
		time passing - bright leaves swept off the stairs and scattered by the wind
the house she lived in - now strangers arrive shaking snow from their boots
	cloud piled on cloud - curled up near the window the old cat sleeps
		hazy moonlight - in the distance a lone boat on the lake
misty autumn rain-- a beggar making music on an empty street
	as cold as can be - the footsteps of someone departing
		a crow speaking out - beside the road the last leaves tremble in the wind
moonlight brightening the window as the teacup is filled
	the sound of rain tapping on the depot roof so far from home
		crossing one more bridge - raindrop after raindrop on the old umbrella
the willows at twilight -- old friends sharing the silence
	low clouds all afternoon -- alone in the town square a wet sparrow
		as red as the sunset a sumac tree that has lost track of time
morning dew -- the softness of a parting word
	part of it all - puddles on a lamplit street
		big slow raindrops falling on an old brick sidewalk-- thoughts of the past
	evening cool -- the first fallen leaf by the roadside

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