Shimmering Gaze

The Full moon is still in the sky when I wake. I take my time bathing
and wear a simple dress of pale blue cotton and my summer cloak.

The Enchantress takes a small group of us on a hidden path. We wait
in a shadowy grove. One by one we disappear into the trees.

Quietly, the Enchantress nods to me it’s my turn. I set onto the
footpath and turn into a clearing.

The lake is peaceful and wide. The water reflects the coming day.
Cranes in the reeds search for food.

I breathe in the cool morning air. Mist collects and drifts across
the water. I smile contentedly and remember why I am here.

I settle myself near the edge gazing into the water,
my reflection still.

As I suspected, just boring old me. A shimmer slowly cuts the water
like a shiver.

A bear appears. I know this bear.
It is me,
when I was afraid living in Los Angeles.
It’s like an old friend, I had forgotten.

In mid thought the water ripples again.

A distant echo…A whisper

Shinjo

A dark silhouette with horns, looms into view.
A samurai in gleaming woven armor.
My samurai ancestor.

But it is me just me.

Be brave. Go forward without regret.

My ancestor looks at me from the reflection.
I see his blazing eyes.

The image softens and it is my eyes. I nod to myself
and my ancestors that are beginning to haunt me.

They are really trying to impart me with their knowledge.
They think if they keep repeating the words
I will hear them better.

I do hear them.

They give me vision beyond myself
my reflection smiles.