The rush of night rain
Purifies the dark, before
Dawns golden blessingFlooding the heavens, a torrential downpour spilled from the sky, leaving the earthly world awash in star steeped celestial waters. There was an intrinsic tranquility to the steady cleansing, a place of peace similar to submersion beneath a waterfalls unrelenting roar: there are ( Read more... )

With courtly black hats
Bold heian nobles take flight
In beige feathered robes With a swift flutter of silvered feathers, an ever intrepid chickadee perched a mere inch from my hand, studying me. After a nonchalant moment, the curious black capped little scholar finally bobbed its head in approval, carefully selecting a seed from between my fingers ( Read more... )

In the morning hush
With each falling leaf's flutter
I hear seasons change Standing on the smooth granite surface of a rock jutting from the rich, dark earth, I closed my eyes and listened carefully. Tiny birds puffed on branches stirred to greet the cold dawn with warm sparks of song, while the first rays of sun pierced into the woodlands to thaw ( Read more... )

The inner forest
Glows from the burning brilliance:
Blazing autumn trees A chilled mist clung to the forest floor, an ethereal veil of white wrapped around the base of each tree, folded over stones and snagged on briars. Gliding down from ripening vines, dry grape leaves of hammered gold scattered across the rich, dewy grass. Behind emerald ( Read more... )

A flurry of white
Cotton flower trees send forth
Silken summer snowDrifting down in warm swirling clouds, the plumed seeds spread across the azure sky like the gentle afterthought of a fanciful daydream. Each gust of wind rising from the river released a new, beautiful blizzard of sunlit fluffs that floated across the open bridge. The soft flakes ( Read more... )

The hazy maiden
Wrapped in glowing gossamer
Hides behind the moonFloating slowly through the imperial night, the heavenly mirror fixed its shinning disk upon the cold mantel of indigo solitude. The moon reigned in regal silence, set before a glittering court of flickering stars and lapis pagodas. Reflecting its divine light upon the shadowed ( Read more... )

Flaring in the dark
A gold firefly sparks
Summer memoriesWaiting beneath the wonder of a star scattered night sky, I listened intently to the abstract sounds that sifted from the shadowed wood. The air was cool and dewy, carrying the exquisite sweetness of wild honey suckle and ruffled peonies. Between a backdrop of branches and glistering ( Read more... )

With purified notes
One sparrow sings in the rain
His song cleansed anewFalling from the silver wrought heavens, the flowering earth was further blessed with the warm, celestial summer water. It soaked deep into the soil, washing the smooth maple leaves until they glowed green against the dark, textured tree trunks. The living world hushed, ( Read more... )

The gentle current
Carries my sorrow beyond
Still islands of mossStepping softly through the clear waters of the wetlands, leafy tangles of watercress and uncurling fiddle ferns brushed against my bare legs. Using the unhurried stream as a trail I wondered deeper into the forest marsh, where unseen flowers bloomed each summer in this sanctuary of ( Read more... )

Awkward but eager
The orange kitten seeks out
Teachings of tigersKneeling in seiza on the firm padded mat of the dojo, I suddenly realized that my posture had become increasingly incorrect. My arms were neatly tucked in and my hands rested evenly, but instead of sitting up straight I had gradually leaned forwards out of subconscious enthusiasm, ( Read more... )