THE SOUNDLESS TEMPLE BELL

It is late as Joshu's feet find the steps of the shrine.

The Honeysuckle cuttings bring a smile to the faces of the priests.

Ohayo gozaimasu.  Gomen nasai...

They sit, swatting flies with ancient whisks

in the shadow of the great bell.

His face a calm mask, Joshu's coins tumble

into the Kanji-covered box next to them.

A single ray of sun catches his face

and glances sidelong off the mirrors of his eyes.

Kono aida wa arigato gozaimashita. Korewa goteinei ni osoreirimasu.

Together they savor the aroma

of the sweet flowers.

The languid scent mixes with the sweat

of their bodies and settles heavily in the

bronze cracks of the massive bell.

The late afternoon is heavy and humid.

Yuutsu ni narimashita.   Hara ga tachimasu. Honto ni fuyukaidesu.

Hours pass, as overhead, like silken shrouds

the clouds rise, towering colossal unearthly temples,

the smell of rain hanging in the evening air.

The older priest rises, claps his hands,

bows deeply and departs, followed in silence

by the younger attendant.

Joshu is alone as the raindrops start to fall.

A, Joshusan'. Ame ga furiso desu.   Kaze ga fukimasu.