A Japanese Poem in the Chinese Style by Brendan Lyons

                                                             
                                                             A Japanese Poem in the Chinese Style

                                                             Winter winds 
                                                             invade from the north 
                                                             scouring and blasting 
                                                             the inner walls, rocking 
                                                             the heavy dark posts 
                                                             of the temple gate 

                                                             Last summer 
                                                             under cicada sounds 
                                                             and falling blossoms 
                                                             we sat apart on green 
                                                             tatami mats, sipping 
                                                             fresh new tea from Uji 

                                                             You have gone 
                                                             to Tokiwa in the north 
                                                             to the home of your uncle 
                                                             and I have gone 
                                                             in duty, as I told you 
                                                             far south to Kagoshima 

                                                             Many many leagues 
                                                             separate our dwellings 
                                                             and there are no more 
                                                             blossoms, nor tea from Uji 
                                                             but the moon understands 
                                                             and smiles upon us both

                                                             ____________________
                                                             Brendan Lyons

                                                                                                                                                           

                                   
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