This Emptiness

Toshiro Takeshita

the last tattered leaf
on the old maple tree
falls to greet the earth
it has now become certain
my father will rise no more

clearing my garden
of a wilting forget-me-not
plucking each petal
wondering does she love me
or maybe she loves me not

sitting on the couch
arguing about money
the kids and the bills
yet I wonder if she knows
just how beautiful she is

promising myself
my diet starts tomorrow
and for sure this time
hmm sunday coupons to clip
cookies for ninety-nine cents

oh sullen night
taking another sip
from your tea cup
looking for something more to eat
though this emptiness isn't hunger