X: Tanka Cycle

within the summer
the apple is fat with dew
afternoon of time
sun high, the vices of heat
take a grip. Cherish the light.

within the autumn
encased in bark, broken free,
conkers fall to earth.
Should be some sort of reason
why the hours are so sleepy.

within the winter
we wrap ourselves in the wool
we have been saving.
White paint on all the windows,
frost snaps quickly in the night.

and within the spring
there is also reflection:
under the water
fish swim with gilded bodies.
(the leaves have again grown thick)