Kanreki

if one looks hard enough, they shall find beauty.. even if they dont understand the nature of it...

Kanreki

The fine mist spray was artificial
But who cared
Both the white crane and the red turtle
Seemed unconcerned
 
But did they notice
 
They knew for sure that sun burned
And it would not do
If the bath filled with lobsters
Got too warm
 
Moments later
 
Both the white crane and the red turtle
Became invisible mid mountains of
Corresponding coloured balloons
Released to celebrate someone’s saisei
 
Then as the sacred rice paddle giri passed
From one kenshi to another

A crisp sakebu sounded
And the white crane and the red turtle
Each wept happy tears and feasted on Kasane mochi

The lobsters would have to wait another day
 

Reviews

[AJNJ]

A lot of beauty in these words...Celebration of life, of longevity. They sure do have a very symbolic way of doing it too. A great statement made here. The later years of life must be welcomed with joy. And filled with strength and grace. Thanks for this in-depth view into a beautiful event in a unique culture. May the red scarves bring on great cheer!

[Neville]

Ha.. its not Kanreki without red scarves now is it.. lots of em... arigato Pj sir :)

[AJNJ]

dou itashimasite dear sir 🤗

[Neville]

watashi no yūjin ni ōini kansha shimashita :)

[AJNJ]

Hahahahaha! 🤗💕 .......!

[Neville]

Happy Sunday :)

[Eilis]

My husband is trying to learn Japanese. He’s always been fascinated with the culture and language and arts. He’s been working on a few martial arts for years. So, even though much of your story’s reference points aren’t ready info for me, I still feel the spirit of it.

I love the poem. I feel I could dissect it and say many words about it, but in the spirit of zen things and allowing a moment to be itself, I would rather enjoy the sense it creates in my head. I’ve read this many times and just enjoyed the mood of it. My poetry time is short lately, but I do enjoy reading when I can. This is excellent poetry, Neville.

[Neville]

Thank you so very bloomin much my friend, I am a very happy Neville :)

[barleygirl]

Reading this, I had one foot in the cafe & the other foot in Google! It was well worth the sidestep, tho! Your poem encompasses your byline (below title) for me -- don't understand it, but I can feel the beauty coming thru loud & clear! This poem brings to mind the Native American tradition of watching the animal signs that come into our lives, as totems, signifying some message that's on it's way. Like seeing a white crane & a red turtle, one must slow down, meditate on it, to see if these messengers are bringing some enlightenment along my path. I would say the white crane represents the high-flying innocence that resides in each of us, whereas the red turtle could be the passion. Love how you made me work for this one (((GLUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Neville]

blimey we kenshi call that position Cafoogle stance Margie .. Bless ya little cotton socks my friend.. ya need not have gone to all that trouble... you could have just asked (NUGs) fondly, Neville

[Unspoken poet]

such vivid imagery in this write, nicely written

[Neville]

thank you again choosen ….Kay-T feels like I am being spoilt :)

[Lorry]

You paint a very serene scene here New, for which I am sure the lobster thanks you.
A scene captured without camera, which leaves the page with the viewer and gently eases the knots and aches of the abruptly awakened, letting him gently peel himself off the ceiling and wonder if some luxury cruise liner got my new alarm clock when they mixed up the order when they sent me their foghorn.
Ps...novelty alarm clocks are seriously not as funny as you think they'll be. Just saying 😀

[Neville]

thanks for the warning and wake up call.. there was me just thinking about thinking I might just do summat half decent today but changed me mind and gonna try and claw back some kip :)

[Lorry]

Wise choice sir. Need to keep the mind finely tuned for any future thoughts you might think. Never know when they'll creep up on ya.

[Neville]

I'm like a coiled spring :)

[Chris Shaw]

Sixtieth birthday celebrations in Japanese culture. How colourful they are. Gives a new meaning to life starts at sixty. A rebirth no less. I can imagine the sacred rice paddle giri being passed from one kenshi to another. A most joyous occasion with its dominant red featuring. Yes there is beauty here. There is beauty in most things if you look hard enough. I know you have a special interest in all things Japanese and kenshi. I guess it's a way of life. You have to live it to understand it and fully appreciate it. Such an interesting poem Neville, and I did have to Google. Good sunny Sunday to you. Have a joyous day.

Chris

[Neville]

Good Sunny Sunday mane to you too Chris... and please accept my personal thank you's on behalf my brother who recently celebrated his 60th and new beginnings, yes a re-birth and the inspiration for todays offering...

Neville san jun kenshi :)

[Chris Shaw]

Happy birthday to your brother, or maybe happy rebirth. Why have I unsuccessfully wasted time trying to find out the translation of san jun kenshi:) You will have to enlighten me:)

[Neville]

I will send you enlightenment :)

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha! The postman is awfully slow in these parts :)

[Neville]

trying to rush enlightenment is as easy as trying to deflect a high velocity bullet by blowing it a kiss x

[Chris Shaw]

OK, I need a tiny bit more practice then :))

[Neville]

I just love it when....

[Chris Shaw]

when we.b..... r?

[Neville]

~~~~~~~~~ Yeah

[Ana Papaya]

Oh now you've gone all Aesop on us. :)
This is a nice little fable, Nev.

[Neville]

Dont ya just love a fable... cheers Ana :)

[Ana Papaya]

I do, I do.