How to approach winter

with a vase
of water
inside & water-
falling on the outside
and because
this isn't real
mums & cypress
a pinecone &
because
this is California
eucalyptus
& because
last night
superb
miso, stirs
a sliver
of that familiar
moon
you could
leave
on your
sleeve
you could
recite
the breath
of light
to Chiyo-ni