The River in a Dog Year

the river so low fish cannot swim

egret flocks to the fields instead

a man can ford with dry pants

and see mossy spots to avoid the dance

low clouds squeezed dry in the north

hang in waiting wind to blow southward

 the raised mug of Gregorian beer

toasts the eve of  lunar year

dry days done for cleaning house

youngsters on recess fascinated

become adept at renewal learned

midnight fireworks, demons spurned

on the third day do not socialize

we keep our big mouths shut

or risk on the shore loping by

a red dog's wrathful eye  

then the potato harvest is picked

rice is returned to the paddies

what makes folk and farmers happy

a warm spring season of plenty

life dribbles like melting snow in March

pools depleted, beaches deserted

all wait indoors for the thrill

as plum rains replace the winter chill

torrents from mountain streams gush

as the dog year grows from a whimper 

before it learns to bark

take a walk with it in a  park

 until the river gets fed full again

and this year's dog  rears its head

 a fine Taiwanese breed

a mighty canine, indeed 

sleepy days of mosquitoes ahead

the dog this year lays down its fears

sweltering dusk of fruit bat hunter

on a river beach in Taichung summer 

when the autumn moon shines down
upon the abundant River Han
dogs are there to guard creation
protecting notions of our nation

January 31, 2018
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