In Like Zen Michael Lee Johnson reflects on the paradoxes of spiritual pursuit and human imperfection. Through vivid imagery of cherry blossoms monastic simplicity and fleeting moments the poem explores the tension between earthly desires and transcendent aspirations. It captures the struggle of balancing Zen-like stillness and worldly chaos with raw honesty and introspection
In Crows Michael Lee Johnson juxtaposes the harshness of winter with the vitality of late summer weaving a vivid narrative of hunger and survival. Through the eyes of scavenging crows the poem captures a primal yearning that transcends seasons-an ode to persistence as the black wings move from barren snowfields to the warm glow of corn-laden August skies.
In Fog Man Michael Lee Johnson paints a haunting portrait of a solitary figure consumed by fog and memories. Amid obscenities and lunar scrutiny the fog man’s cries echo through distant dreams of a lost lady. The poem captures the rawness of isolation pride and fleeting connections weaving a visceral tale of human frailty in the misty void between past and present.