Hidden in the valley
What strangers share the secret
Of the Zen garden?Sitting beneath the pale pink firework flowers of the small mimosa tree, I sprinkled rainwater across the plants contained within the stone circle at its base. The many cast-off pansies I'd rescued were doing well, and after such heavy rain the entire ravine was suddenly ablaze ( Read more... )

A sudden downpour
Floods the sidewalks with laughter
Friends flee for coverReturning from a memorable evening with close companions to celebrate the end of the academic year, the sky suddenly opened and poured a veritable celestial sea of water upon us. There was such a sudden and excessive amount of water that roads immediately became ponds and ( Read more... )

Morning mist scented
With wild flowers and sun:
Springs perfect perfumeCarrying my clothes downstairs along the open walkway, a rich floral aroma far more delicate and complex then anything a human being could create washed lightly over my senses. Following the soft breeze which carried the invisible treasure, I discovered the source of the delight ( Read more... )

Adorned with the dew
Indigo jewels sparkle, set
in jade foliageA stunning gate of emerald vines sprawls around the steep red-earth entrance to the ravine. Decked with the intense purple hues of wild morning glories, the vibrant blossoms seem to glow brighter still in the sunlight, crystal droplets of condensation sparkling upon their delicate edge ( Read more... )

Ever vigilant
The blade patiently teaches
Bushi traditionCool, tempered metal slides between the warmth of my fingers while I gaze intently into space. My movements are slow, suspended by the uncertainty of inexperience and the presently unattainable desire to perform each precise action accordingly. I strive to reach the meditative state of ( Read more... )

The window open
So that the moon might send me
Your warm silhouette. Playful thoughts composed while the usually hot-tempered evening air, cooled by the soothing touch of rain, drifts in through the invitation of my window. How perfectly the glossy white window trim frames the star set night sky. An ivory crescent moon gently glows, placed ( Read more... )

Rain washes away
The dusty sins of the drought
Renewing the earthBreathing life back into the once withering flowers and solidifying the dusty soil, the absent water finally falls. Wrapped in the reassuring softness of my comforter, I awoke feeling absolutely refreshed and tranquil, stretching and sinking into my pile of pillows. Everything was ( Read more... )