print previewback PATRICIA CLARK
Kubota Garden
I wanted to see the teahouse
a bridge arching over water
I wanted to study Japanese maples
their fine-toothed fiery leaves
I wanted to bow my head to chance,
to a lantern, to stones placed in a wall
The paths led us down and down
far off we heard workmen building a road
overhead a jet scrawled a contrail note of farewell
If I wanted to kneel at the pond, it was to know
how like my mother I’ve become
I wanted to admire hydrangeas, exclaim
at a lace-cap two-color one—both blush pink
and purple, on one stem—taking a photo to share—
I wanted to touch the clapper in the bronze bell
at the gate, where two panels slide together,
each side making one half of the sun—
letting it sound and then be still 
Diptych with Window View & Hiroshige Print
How to Swallow the Snake
Kubota Garden