In the distance
The gates of the Sensoji Temple rise
My heart beat quickens
But my steps remain slow and steady
As I near
The wind and thunder guardians greet me
As if waiting for me for this precise moment
I light incense and place it in a large urn
A slow smoldering smoke begins to burn
Patiently, I wait for the smoke to rise
Then cup my hands, lean forward
Bow my head
Wafting the smoke towards me
Over and over again
Smoke follows a slow current
Taking its time, flowing from top to bottom
Silently I say a prayer
For healing and forgiveness
.
Originally posted August 4, 2015
toshtamurapoetry.wordpress.com 