The seas have been stormy lately, reflecting darkly black clouds moving in from the horizon. So as I have done in the past, I sought solace in the Japans, the land of dreams. The year is in its twilight as was the day I visited. I met with old friends and sat for a time among them, together we let the sun set upon us yet never speaking of the vanishing light or the meaninglessness of time.
We mused on the death poem of Yabu:
"but an excuse for the sky?
"What is life,
"but an escape from death?"
As we did this, we came to realize the infinity of a single leaf, forever beyond all human understanding - and rejoiced.
Sunlight seeps through an awning of branches as we enter
A few branches still cling to the light
On the road to meet Kanbei!
Kanbei is rich in thought and imagination.
His roots run very deep.
Even the best and brightest come to him for counsel.
Kanbei Drinks from tranquil waters
Goroda is steady and unambitious.
Once you win him over, you need never doubt his loyalty.
He seeks a consistant excellence in all his pursuits.
A study in light and dark as we travel.
Kimiko is young and simple.
She serves herself by serving others.
Above all else, she seeks usefulness.
We descend these steps to meet a special friend
whose light shines even in the dark.
Subaro! Subaro is one of truth and openness.
In him is no politic and no trickery.
His motives are pure and true.
I pause in my reflections.
Swirling colors of confusion, distorting reality.
Hidetora is a soul of vast experience.
He's survived wars, betrayals and treachery.
Yet in all those times, he never lost himself.
Through shadows we must sometimes pass
to reach the light again.
Omi always brings a smile, so eager and full of life.
You watch his explorations as a proud father.
We anxiously await his destiny - as does he!
The path to a warlord!
Takeda is a proud and strong warrior.
Out of the darkness, he seeks to touch the sky.
He stands as a mountain in the gardens.
A pathway of water. How far does it stretch?
Many such as these fed the ancient castles and mansions.
Today, it leads us to royalty as well.
The legendary Lady Gracia Hosokawa.
Her grace and purity of beauty stand in fearless display.
Through her very vulnerablity, she is strongest of all.
Later, I meditated in the Zen Rock garden.
The sun too making its final pass through.
In parting I see two friends, different yet the same.
Later, they swam off across the pond, never separating.
They share a timeless treasure.
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