启示 Qǐshì Revelation
on a Lao Tzu-inspired random drive around Auckland’s southeast perimeter
leaning down toward Flat Bush
new, bunched apartments and townhouses
prefab greys and beige
then easing along Stancombe Road and
STUNNED!
the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple rises imperiously as though a transplant from the Tang Dynasty
inside
the humility
the warm greetings
the calligraphy
the learning to be done
the delicate delicious food
the wonder of ordered and exotic gardens
a discovery -
overwhelming
inspiring
a cultural melding
found accidentally
now a destination
Gentle sway of the inland route
(Zen monk Ryokan 1758-1831)
standing centuries-still
in the snow of Fuji-san
I point to the east,
Ryokan playfully
“the sun is returning,
are you surprised?”
we edge further into the interior
so many approach
for his poetry and calligraphy
and to wonder at the white man
who has more facial hair
than there are cherry blossoms
kindness as I’ve never witnessed
all I leave behind
is the moon in his window
in Edo, one Sunday
Basho waves with a tidal gentleness
“Bring me your haibun,” he says
he is unafraid to criticise
but he knows where praise lies
and he uncovers it
the snow holds its breath,
the brilliance of pure crystal white
creates a gossamer light,
skin becomes translucent
we take up our brushes and ink
Keith Nunes lives beside Lake Rotoma where the two of them undertake a great deal of reflecting. He’s had works published around the globe, has placed in competitions and been a Pushcart Prize nominee. His book of poetry/short fiction, catching a ride on a paradox, is sold by the lunatic fringe.
