Koinobori
Outside the
window a hardy yew shrub thrives.
From a branch
hangs a “koi no bori,” that is
a carp banner,
with its head pointing up.
They are seen in
profusion in Japan
during the May
Children's Day holiday.
The flag is
meant to inspire the young to achieve.
Why a carp, a
common food item?
Why not a lion,
why not an eagle?
A carp, an
animal of courage and tenacity,
with all its
strength and resolve swims
up rivers and
waterfalls to reach its goal.
The same is
hoped for the child.
When I sit
composing a poem,
when I am
blocked and don't know
what to put on
paper,
I glance out the
window, I see the carp
and I write.
Your Japanese "roots" are showing and they are deep and strong. I say this knowing just how ling and fully you lived and learbed there. It's all imbued, engrained and firmed your Zen soul!
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