Shōren-in ancient calm
butterfly in the bamboo
wistful lotus screens
far away from bustling crowds
I feel my spirit settle
calm serene teien
stone basin bamboo and moss
by the flowing stream
small bee rests on ajisai
the hornet must be sleeping
Jissō-in
hello rock garden
come to ponder your mysteries
just like our first day
resting near the high stone wall
a cricket in mossy green
Ryōan-ji
Orinasu-kan
fabric of a thousand years
stories yet to tell
fragrant old tatami floors
garden freshens in the rain
climbing the steep hill
the waka stone rests serene
in a cedar grove
I thank the poet for hope
and feel a soft breeze answer
Kifune-jinja
Lea Millay
Kyoto, October 2025