Ryoan-ji, the Temple of the Peaceful Dragon, is known for its Zen gardens. Kinkaku-ji, The Golden Pavilion,
was burned in 1950 by a Buddhist priest who had been seduced by its beauty; a replica stands today. Ginkaku-ji,
the Silver Pavilion, stands at the end of Tetsugaku no Michi, the Philosopher’s Path.
in the swirl of shinto-smoke
that reminds me of nothing
so much as my dead mother,
the absence of myself
is a sword undulled by blood or lust
and too bright for eyes
that have not known tears;
like coins thrust for luck
or safe passage; like
dappled morning on Ryoan-ji pond
where cranes stalk salvation
beside the unanswered prayers
of lost fingertips;
like broken glass
on asphalt in a hot Kyoto night;
Kinkaku burning in the sun;
Ginkaku-ji at journey’s end.
the tenth muse 
wow nice joanna….i like…i like how the lines blur between the couplets and continue on adding meaning and depth like lost fingertips and broken glass, but then the next line on the asphalt…anyway, i like your play…great imagery as well…good stuff…
thanks, b. *smiles*
Really like the references to emptiness, and the use of Japanese names. And the great imagery.
Awesome picture as well.
thanks, wanderer. was afraid i might be overdoing it with the names; glad you approve. 🙂
this has a rhythm all it’s own; calm & provocative
calm & provocative… 🙂 thanks Wyeth.
This place must inspire that kind of introspection and personal peace. Others have told me so but never in a way so well enunciated as this. The beauty of the place becomes a cool and personal yet passionate flame as you paint it here.
Gay, it truly does. there was definitely a sense of self-discovery there for me. thanks for your thoughtful commentary.
Way kool. This touched me inside as well as impressed the artisitic side of me. Excellente!
grazie, henry 😉
Wonderful and very fitting. It is easy to just say it’s beautiful in usual adjectives, adding the poetry helps capture the feeling a lot better.
thanks so much, Starfires. 🙂 i saw you have a lot of great Kyoto info & shots on your site; thanks for stopping by!
Awesome piece, Joanna.
The serenity overwhelmed! You coolly brought it out and it’s wonderful, joanne!
Hank
I have gracious thoughts only, but no words, to capture the beauty herein. [smile]
gracious thoughts… i’ll take that 🙂 thanks, mosk.
this poem is sad and hopeful
peace and the end of a journey
lovely
thanks, lucy. 🙂 you’re most welcome to drop in here anytime.
the creed or prayer of the kamakazee suicide pilot may be of interest to you
I wish there was a super-like button for this poem… simply beautiful