Incommunion

Orthodox Haiku: For the Lenten Season by John Kosmas Skinas

by John Kosmas Skinas

Tulips! How short lived,
like a burst of repentance
breaking through the dirt.

Daylight comes sooner,
but I hold on to the dark—
warm, comfortable.

A path to Eden
cutting through the wilderness:
the prayer of Ephraim.

Blown loose from the tree,
the plum blossoms fall and turn
the color of earth.

Small orange poppies,
Rooted in death and decay
Rise like little suns.

Suddenly white hail,
a harsh joy reminiscent
of fasting’s pleasure.

A beautiful day:
a gift, like eating salmon
on March Twenty Fifth.

No death, no fragrance—
the silk flower can’t please God
with its pretend life.

Christ is crucified
while nearby, in the church shed,
four kittens are born.

The April wind blows
out the candle’s Paschal flame
before I reach home.

The Resurrection
has come and I can only
think of lamb and beer.

Rejoice honored trees,
God was lifted up on you
and the world was healed.

Green daffodil stems:
each is supporting a sun
the earth couldn’t hold.

The Lenten spring shines;
the flower of repentance blooms;*
Eden calls us back.
*from Cheesefare Wednesday Vespers

❖ IN COMMUNION / issue 63 / Winter 2012