chasing my muse               
under the billowing cloud 
a sunray burst                       
prickles my memory –       
searing Nagasaki heat        

this painted lady                  
in the Glover House garden 
Nagasaki:
a butterfly so charming       
yet driven to suicide             

Guy Simser has written English & Japanese verse forms since 1978, including his five year diplomatic service in Japan. His poetry has appeared in over 70 international anthologies & journals, and is the recipient of Major awards: Carleton University Poetry Prize 2011. Diane Brebner Poetry Prize (Canada 2010). AHA Splendor Prize/Tanka Sequence (USA).