Kamakura and Enoshima

I wander the temple,

But it is clear that the Doves and Pigeons

Are the traditional owners of this space.

The flags flutter in the breeze

But the birds are not afraid.

Fortunes tied to the strings,

They bloom like blossoms in the spring

I watch the congregation worshipping

Under the outdoor temple

Impressive, he rises above the Earth

Containing wishes, dreams and prayers.

I board the train to the seaside,

The sun streaming through the winter air,

To the Candle in the Sky.

Higher and higher, ascension is imminent,

Through stalls, restaurants, trees and shrines

Weaving our way to Heaven.

Affirmations of love project

From the shadow of the lighthouse

Like a beacon, sending them home

To be granted.

Oh, what power lies within

The Sun, the Sea, and the Stars.

Hakone

A train from Tokyo leads me here

Rural scenery delights me.

A little red caboose waits at the end of the line for its passengers,

A switchback train weaves its way up the mountain,

Back and forth, it meanders lazily

With purpose.

We disembark onto a steep Cable Car that takes us to new heights,

Then a Gondola takes us to marvel at Fuji-San…

But she shies behind the clouds.

At the port I wait, to board my ship,

My new affectionate friend keeps me company

Neko-San transforms my pants to match his fur.

Ahoy, mateys!

On our lake adventure, we embark

Sailing the flat, calm seas of Ashi

We show our bravery on the ships’ bow

Pirate blood flowing through our minds

While the air freezes and the wind bites,

So we retreat.

Growing colder still, the shrine lies unexplored in the forest above

Higher and higher we climb

Torii gates juxtaposed against the deep dewy emerald.

And while the pilgrims worship,

Oh, what magic,

As snow begins to fall.

The Road to Senso-Ji

Golden rays of morning sun beckon,

When the torrent clears, I embark on my pilgrimage.

Steeped in tradition,

My environment bows humbly before me

The ruby path opens to enlightenment.

Master Shiba poses for the camera,

Regal, Polite and Proud

An asset to his breed

Kawaii Desu Ne!!

He makes us coo in delight.

I observe the Buddhist ritual,

Water, Incense, a Bow

I drop a coin, shake the box, pluck a token…

Number 86

The most fortunate of fortunes,

Under Buddha’s calm stare,

I smile contently

For life is beautiful.

Osaka

I arrive in the peak of the night

The sting of the winter air renews me

My walking does the talking

I am the tourist

Who is wearing too many clothes

All eyes on me,

I am not from these parts

But I let my brown hair show, to blend.

So many bicycles, so efficient

Close calls are many, collisions are none.

I find what I seek in Dotombori

The colourful, the strange, the unique…

I find myself here.

The Golden Billiken who watch over the city

The singing crab who serenades me

The billboards who are yelling at me…

Oh, Takoyaki

You wonderful dumplings filled with magic

King of my palate.

At every corner, a cigarette club

At every turn, light, colour and noise

Assaulting my senses

I cannot get enough.

And at last, in one quiet corner of the city –

An emerald deity for quiet reflection

My humility begins to shine.