Portrait of Old Japan
by
Wayne Thomas
(Age: 58)
copyright 05-05-2008
Age Rating: 10 to 127
After midnight
the bustling streets of Yedo
smell of salt from the bay,
and the breeze teases the eager nose
with traces of cherry blossom,
and incense from nearby temples.
Offshore, full moon scatters
silver coins at the dancing wave tops,
and casts soft shadows
over lovers,
and plum trees,
and me.
Tonight I sit,
dangling my feet off Half-Circle bridge,
and watch them--
almond eyes
touched
by paper lantern light,
framed in jangling Koto music.
From the fishermen's village
to the south
come the cries of night birds,
and fishermen landing the catch
for morning's market.
My young companion has had enough.
She sleeps against my shoulder.
I will take her home,
but I cannot sleep
till the gray clouds hide Mount Fuji.
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This is such a lovely poem. I have not been to Japan but your skillful imagery certainly gives me a feel for it. I suppose, though, it is much different now. I also read and enjoyed your Peking poem, another wonderful glimpse for me of a faraway place.
This is wonderful, Wayne. Wish I had written it! It conveys the images (I can smell the cherry blossoms) vividly, but with a restraint that feels completely authentic to the time and place. Thanks for a great write and a wonderful read.
I've never been to Japan. I'm not familiar with any of the landmarks mentioned, except Mount Fuji. That's all secondary--not important at all really. That is, it isn't necessary for me to have been there to have become enchatned with this write. This is a beautifully soft, harmonious, work that captures the reader with its imagery and soft intensity. Every line, it seems, another treat of sight and sound and smell and thought. A skillful weaving which, to those familiar with the places of which you speak, must find it even more enchanting. ^^
Welcome !
