Celebration

Celebration

In a large cavernous building
of ancient timber,
a simple altar lit with
lamps holds fruits and herbs
and hallowed icons.

There celebrants, garbed
in russet robes and colorful sash,
chant the ancient words.
A gray haze and the scent
of earthy incense pervade the space
even to the nearby garden.

Believers come, in new cold
weather clothes, and perform
their duties then leave.

In the nearby garden
the low timbre of the temple
bell rings as the congregants
slowly take turns striking with
the wooden clapper,
on this, the holiest eve of the year.

It is New Year’s eve
in Japan.