The Abyss

sensing the abyss

awakens from fitful sleep

she’s not next to me

(C) John Belchamber 2024

Full moon over Akabane

Full Moon on the Arakawa River in Akabane, Kawase Hasui 1929

sailors returning

full moon over Akabane

lover leaves the hut

(C) John Belchamber 2024

The Creation of Japan

Izanami and Izanagi on the Floating Bridge of Heaven, Utagawa Hiroshige.

on the floating bridge

jewelled spear stirs the ocean

the first rising sun

(C) John Belchamber 2024

Inspired by the story of Izanami and Izanagi creating the islands of Japan.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Izanagi

Sendai Yamadera Mountain Temple

Sendai Yamadera Mountain Temple, Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)

gentle autumn rain
slips down the temple’s roofing
geisha’s kimono

(C) John Belchamber 2024

Ushibori evening twilight

Ushibori evening twilight, Kawase Hasui

river sentinels
greet returning fishermen
with cicada’s song

(C) John Belchamber 2024

Monkey on my back

although I try hard
the monkey upon my back
often sees evil

🙈

(C) John Belchamber 2024

Echoes of your tears

as I sit here now
a lovely meal with loved ones
echoes of your tears

(C) John Belchamber 2024

A room full of tears

a room full of tears
I sit with you and listen
until you feel heard.

(C) John Belchamber 2024

Better than that

burning down the house
along the road to nowhere?
you’re better than that

Apologies to Talking Heads.

(C) John Belchamber 2024

Bluesky Morning

relaxing in bed
a lazy BlueSky morning
lawnmower beckons

(C) John Belchamber 2024