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Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

0 posted 2009-04-04 12:25 PM

Beneath sweet cherry blossom trees
and colorful paper lanterns
swaying in the evening breeze,

I danced the Odori
with many other souls,
stepping carefully along lines
in concentric circles
with gentle movements
in graceful rise and fall,
kimonos adorned with storks of gold,
brilliant rising suns and dragons,
while within the temple nearby,
bonsai beauties were bending
to the will of time.

Powerful Taiko drumrolls
echoed a thunderous demand
that the skies release
tears from the sacred spirits
to replenish the earth.

As we danced in harmony,
nature's drums filled the night sky
with thundering sounds.
It began to rain gently,
and suddenly
there appeared a double rainbow
in the skies above this
joyous Japanese festival.

My heart soared with joy
as I sighed and bowed,
honoring the ancestors
of the Rising Sun.

I learned a new truth that night.
The ancients will always be with us,
and newly departed souls
will never dance alone.

***
The Obon festival commemorates the annual return of departed ancestors,
and is one of the most beautiful of all Japanese festivities.
Dancing the Bon Odori is a special highlight of the evening.

Summer 2003, my daughter and I danced the Odori in Denver's Sakura Square,
not knowing her Japanese grandfather "G'chan" had just passed away.

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-25

Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1 posted 2009-04-04 12:51 PM

Yo dear Kacy,

I’m not familiar with that festival. However, I’m sure my son-in-law, daughter, and half Japanese Grandson are.

I really should get back to Japan soon.

Love Bobby

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis

since 2005-11-07

Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa

2 posted 2009-04-04 12:58 PM

Kacy, I am so enjoying the absolute joy in your recent poetry since your good news! Even in the pain at the end, your indomitable spirit shines through. Beautiful poem, too! Love the title as well.

Owl

secondhanddreampoet
Member Ascendant

since 2006-11-07

Posts 6394
a 'Universalist' !

3 posted 2009-04-04 02:13 PM

a most fine (impressionistic) 'slice of life' write!

I am particularly fond of:

"Powerful Taiko drumrolls
  echoed a thunderous demand
  that the skies release
  tears from the sacred spirits
  to replenish the earth."

much applause for this 'penning' !!

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

4 posted 2009-04-04 02:42 PM

This is beautiful and like you, I believe,
"the ancients will always be with us."
Ida

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

5 posted 2009-04-04 02:48 PM

Bobby, they must be familiar with it.
Diana, thanks, dear lady.
Thanks Bruce, for that comment.
Thank you, Ida. Yes, we are surrounded by them, they are part of us.

Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural

6 posted 2009-04-04 05:01 PM

This is such a beautifully described poem ~ A place where peace seems to be always around...

ARCTIC WIND

ethome
Member Patricius

since 2000-05-14

Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada

7 posted 2009-04-04 06:37 PM

Kacy

Nice description of the festival. Held me right to the page as you transported me to a distant land.

Very enjoyable. Never been there but wish I could go. I just love different cultures, there's so much to learn from the rest of the human family.

Eric

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

8 posted 2009-04-04 09:13 PM

Thank you AW and Eric, for dancing with the ancients 'neath the blossoms.

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

9 posted 2009-04-07 08:12 PM

Wonderful descriptive writing...James

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