Improv - Billy Collins, "Japan"

the student paints the light gate
the sea soaks into the red tower
the cherry blossoms scatter them
the evening prayer temple bell chimes
a reminder of Deeper Self

the bowl resounds:

koan-torii-shoshin

he arranged his blood a bouquet
of steel,
of sun,
of mask--

it'd all be nice
if men weren't dyin' like dogs.