Nine short poems in Japanese styles, each location found on a journey up Mount Fuji. |
#1: Aokigahara Forest (Chōka) In the Sea of Trees The roots weave through ancient stone Leaves murmur secrets Spirits wander on soft moss Life and death entwined, Shadowed paths, lost in time’s grasp Chill where summer’s heat can’t reach *** #2: Narusawa Ice Cave (Haiku) Sunlight fades to dark Stepping into winter’s mouth Ancient ice endures Icicles hang still Frozen time in summer’s grip August warmth forgot Narrow paths in night Cradling sharp winter teeth Summer holds no sway *** #3: Fugaku Wind Cave (Sedōka) Deep within the cave, Ancient walls smooth and silent, Stories of fire, now cool. Winds of time stand still, Secrets of seeds and cocoons, Kept by nature’s cold embrace. *** #4: Lake Saiko (Tanka) Calm lake reflects sky Mount Fuji’s peak touches cloud Summer’s green embrace Deep blue waters, still and cool Echoing the quiet day *** #5: Lake Kawaguchi (Renga) Fuji’s peak reflects In the lake’s still summer face Stoic in the sun Boats glide on warm waters Children’s laughter fills the air Cicadas’ chorus Rises with the midday heat Nature’s summer song Resorts hum with joy and life While Fuji watches over Evening’s golden light Casts long shadows on the shore As the day unwinds Fireworks bloom in the dark sky Summer’s joy ripples through stars Morning mist settles A calm hush before the dawn Lake breathes in silence Timeless waters hold their peace Reflecting the ancient peak *** #6: Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine (Bussokusekika) Ancient cedars rise Flanking the path to Fuji Pilgrims’ quiet steps Seeking blessings for the climb Step in the hallowed silence Where gods and mortals join *** #7: Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (Katauta) Crisp air meets the skin Far from the summer’s thick grip Fuji breathes its ancient calm A shrine in cool mist Prayers rise to Fuji’s peak Will the gods guide our ascent? Buzz of eager feet Gathering strength for the climb Will you touch the sacred peak? Sun dips, shadow stretch Silence wraps the mountain’s edge Does your heart seek dawn’s first light? Green unfurls below Earth’s curve visible afar Does this marvel stir your heart? *** #8: Kusushi Shrine (Senryu) Steps on gravel path Trees part to reveal the shrine Selfies first, then prayers Birdsong in the air Moss on stones, a breath of peace Hiker’s voice blares loud Hands press in silence Prayers whispered for good fortune - ATM stops, hopefully Forest in full bloom Old wood blends with green whispers Wi-Fi passwords sought? Lanterns flicker soft Ancestors remembered here Instagram post next *** #9: Kengamine Peak (Dodoitsu) Rocks brush softly ’gainst the sky Winds carve paths through ancient stone Where no life blooms, peace holds sway Fuji’s silent crown Winds whip through the freezing air Clouds roll in, mist cloaks the peak Sunrise flickers, then fades fast Fuji’s fickle breath Dawn breaks, colours flood the sky Hearts swell as prayers rise with light Steps of struggle turn to peace Fuji’s peak embraced. Forests roll beneath the sky Oceans stretch beyond the clouds Earth’s curve seen from Fuji’s edge Wonder fills the glance At the world’s edge, all stand still Hands clasped, hearts bow to the peak Strangers now share Fuji’s gift Bound by this ascent |