EXERCISE ON TATAMI

is as toning
as on any other surface
sepia tone with tint beguiles
in the same way as the pose
though a faint smile alarms
more than reassures
like the handkerchief your head
is placed upon in some delicate
desire for more comfort
for a moment it appears you have
no arms or hands
then I see the arms emerge
from the sleeves of your silk jacket
like a conjuring trick
convinces me this is deliberate
your image opportune
preserves who you once were
and might not be anymore
where the world was viewed upside down
makes me think your position is symbolic
has the semblance of a tree of life
where your torso is the trunk
legs in loose lilac pants are branches
white socked feet the leaves
head and arms roots from where

EXERCISE ON TATAMI

the neck emerges from its fertile soil
while the elaborate screen behind
in its asymmetric shift to the left
suggests the shot was not too carefully
composed and is meant as fun
for life needs that too
symbols can sound as loud as cymbals
or high as a flute
or as quiet as a light breeze
there comes a time when we decide
to stand on our own two feet
and see the world as it is
with the sounds of laughter in our ears
exercise on tatami
is no different than on any other surface
for a geisha on a day off