prowling
a slight tremor, a nervous tic
skin crawling with warmth
eyelids flicker in animated frenzy
nostrils flare in time with the heartbeat
inviting, daring, challenging
welcoming
a pause and a half
a half step back
disguise the hunger
--andoy
26 September 2005
salaryman's day (12 senryu)
opening the wardrobe
white shirts, black pants
salary man
bread and hot coffee
wife nags after breakfast
stomach grumbles loud
bright sky morning
worker leaves for work
bathed in drab sunlight
brilliant colored billboards
big houses, rich suburbs
commuter pass with eyes closed
jeepney stereo
loudly blares morning news
while passengers sleep
numbers floating on the computer monitor
eyes strained
and painfully cramped fingers
hot noon sun
burning his nape
having lunch on the sidewalk
eyes spacing out
adding money on ledgers
riches not his
dark sky after office hours
a woman crosses the street
red umbrella blooms
walking in downtown rain
racing faceless crowds
tired feet in wet shoes
he massages liniment
on his limbs
evening cologne
kissing wife good night
eyes close and dream
writing finish to another day
--andoy castellano
13 September 2005
