Pilgrimage Poetry
The Setagaya gardens are a little further out of town. Rather close to where my friend, the wise archer Rami lives with his cat. The journey takes time, yet every spring, a friend and I prepare for it at length and in detail. Sometimes the preparations begin in the still of winter, for every visit there needs to be calculated. Should one arrive too early, the garden would be snowed in and the temples would be out of bounds. Should one, however, arrive a moment too late, the cherry blossoms would be wilted, and the garden would have to rely only on its green foliage to make itself look impressive.
We counted the days this particular year; we packed for the journey. Halfway there we stopped at an inn for a brew and a stew. At last, we headed again to the garden, to capture the blossoms for once. Halfway through the second half we were struck with a thought… we’d forgotten one of our jute sacks of gifts at the inn, so we had to go back. The innkeeper looked at us. “No blossoms then?” We shook our heads, grabbed the forgotten sack, and ran back on the road to the sacred garden. Halfway through the last half, that is, halfway between where we remembered we forgot the sack and the garden itself, we felt weary, and we bought a little wine as pick-me-up for the road, and some figs and dates. The more we walked, the further away it seemed, yet the more strength did the wine seem to give us for the journey ahead.
The sun now is setting. We finally step over the gates lined with stones and with deities. The blossoms have fallen, like snow in the pond. We finish the last drops of wine and prepare the pilgrimage gifts. But first, we take a look at our reflection in the pure water surface, scattered with petals of white. White, like the hair on our head is now white, and falling like snow to our shoulders.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA modern/ancient tale reminding us that every pilgrimage is also a journey into the self. Beautiful images of the cherry blossoms at the conclusion.
Thank you! Means a lot that so many readers enjoyed it!
Ha, ha, all told as you could imagine, stopping here, forgetting the jute sack (not the result of too much wine, I hope!) more wine, ha, ha, and time to reflect on white hair like petals, how gracious of you! Is this a page from your life?
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI’m glad you enjoyed it! I normally never write anything remotely biographical, but in this case, it did have an ounce of truth to it, because I was going to a Japanese garden with a friend, and we did forget a bag halfway there ? so it does, I guess, have a jute sack of truth to it ? ?
I was fascinated by this story at first reading, and consecutive readings have made it even more satisfying. There is something ancient in the telling – the wise archer, the temples, the inn keeper, the jute sacks – and yet it could have happened yesterday. The white hair contemplation was a brilliant ending. Great writing!
Thank you so much ❤ means a lot to me!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYour prose sings like poetry. I truly enjoyed reading it. Thank you for the story.
I am glad you enjoyed it ❤
It’s a captivating story, full of enigmatic descriptions and anticipation. It seems to be a part of a longer story, with something more happening before and after this part. Good writing!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI am glad you enjoyed it!
I’m attaracted to the striking descriptions and the subtle old world charm that characterize your story.
Thank you – glad you enjoyed reading it!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou’re welcome.
It sounded like one of those journeys we’ve all taken, when no matter how much pre-planning is done it doesn’t go quite as smoothly as it should. And yet, the end becomes even more beautiful as a result. Cleverly written. Well done 🙂
Thank you so much! Means a lot that you enjoyed it!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations Grigorova!
Thank you!
Congratulations, E. Grigorova! This excellent story was well chosen as a winner.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much!
Well done, and congratulation E, Grigorova.
Thank you! Means a lot!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations to you, Grigorova.
Thank you!
Congratulations, E. Grigorova! Well done 🙂
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you!
Congratulations to you, well done.
Thank you so much!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations! ?
Thank you so much! All those kind messages and appreciation of my work truly made my day, nay, my whole week!
Congratulation, E. Grigorova! Well done!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much!
Congratulations, E. Grigorova!
Thank you so much!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations on your win, E. Grigorova. Well done.
Thank you. Truly means a lot!
You’re welcome. Hope to read more from you.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI am viewing your profile now, E Grigorova. I’m looking to see if you have a new story to read. I can’t wait to read more stories from you.