Poetic Utterances
by Marie Bortolotto 2024

I.

even in sickness
beauty befriends us
Shiki's gift



II.

breathless
what remains of Nishimura's
bamboo flute?



III.

deeper and deeper
into the breath
Nishimura's flute



IV.

unsung haiku
dead poets hum
in my ears



V.

a friend in need
the mute man
always waves