Mother

Photo of a hill, carpeted with greenery, on a hiking trail in Christchurch, New Zealand.

You’d think the earth’s fine,
carpeted in greenery;
she’s shaking inside.

Tendencies

photo of Christchurch mountain rages as seen from the top of the Sugarloaf Reserve — Sugarloaf Reserve, Christchurch, New Zealand

Ultimate human:
to conquer that big mountain;
remain unhappy.

Shade

Photo of a hiking trail during the early afternoon, through a canopy of oak trees.

Stands the mighty oak
under the scorching sunshine
sprinkling shade on me.

Unseen

Photo of an empty street in Christchurch on a summer evening, the last dregs of sunset on the tops of still trees.

Quiet urban streets;
burrow-worthy, sun-kissed, trees—
city teems with life.

Cars

photo of the city of Christchurch in New Zealand as seen from halfway up the Harry Ell trail

Travels with eyes front
along majestic mountains—
long straight line of ants.