A woman pauses in her life, speaking to a friendly soul and coming to a decision.
This poem came from one of the many long talks with one that goes by the public name Ayunishi, and was a combination of aggravated vent and simultaneous inspiration.
Hide Me In Wide Sleeves
Something calls to me
Stirring my blood.
Calling deep within,
A rising flood.
I am ancient and tired
Tucking my face
Into a strong shoulder
Drifting in place.
Longing is familiar
An old friend
That follows around
Every twisted bend.
Years of spent blood,
Sweat, and tears
Questioned in a moment
By picked up fears.
Hide me in wide sleeves.
Let me rest awhile.
Body and spirit sore,
Can't go another mile.
The water is freezing
As it covers my back
Won't respond.
Taking no more flack.
He's not walked here
Beneath what I bear,
Not upon my path
That I can't share.
Hide me in wide sleeves
As the flute music plays.
I can't give up that
Bought with long days.
Hoarding my memory,
Retaining my power,
I listen to my sensei.
I refuse to cower.
I won't heedlessly cast away
My pearls before the swine.
I know what I have done,
I am not blind.
I will not bow meekly down
Before one who calls
And disbelieving mocks what I
Won through darkened halls.
Hide me in wide sleeves
Where I can find rest.
I have your Pearl in my hand,
And await your crest.
The fire burns deep in my heart
Within the water churns and foams
Waiting to be tamed
And aches within my bones.
My sensei is right
I must choose the flame to feed.
I cut ties that somehow formed
Based upon the outsider's need.
What I have learned is sacred.
Hard won fruit gained with pain.
I can't expect a stranger
To see past veils profane.
I turn to you as I ebb
Hearing your softened voice.
Lay me down in bamboo groves
I have made my choice.
Hide me in wide sleeves.
Halt the flute for but a while.
While another is standing guard,
Drive away debates of style.
October 25, 2006