Written for Colleen for 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 15, 1/2/24,
Part I, Early Cold (January 5 – 20) Shokan 小寒
The first two days of the year have not been pleasant for the country where I
live, but I want to help balance the scales by turning to some of the wisdom
that has seeped into me in the thirty-three years I’ve lived here.
You might conclude that this is easy for me to do as I’m far removed from
those two incidents–in that case, think of me as practicing for when it happens
to me and I’m unable or, not here to share this sentiment. This is how I feel most
people are coping right now: Everyone acknowledges what happened and are
practicing mindful living to honor those no longer with us.
Incidentally, on the first days of a new year, (as in the last days of the old year)
everyone observes their firsts (far more than they do their lasts at year-end),
grinning. In my family, we try to capture the reflection of a star (or moon) in our
drinking cups at the last strike of the temple bells every year. This year it was too
cold (or we’re getting too old) and we did not try it.
The Light Within
the star’s bouncy reflection in my teacup
dissolves like salt and
stark darkness overtakes me
I inhale cold air—it travels to my feet.
I feel a pulse, a
promise, and then a shift
I look up and find the heavens alit with
stars in discord with cold clouds
I cognize the scale of the sky
in contradiction with the breadth of my cup
I will focus on that which never goes out—
the habitable light that dwells deep within,
evermore there—even when stars are absent.
*
hard to catch a star
at the last bell past midnight
those nosy cold clouds!
*
pouring a glass of water
reflects me a star
cheerful as a New Year’s Day
blessed and holy water
I bow and drink it up
*
© selma
kigo: cold clouds,
firsts,
New Year’s
Thank you so much for reading.
Happy New Year of Blessings.
- Wea’ve Written Weekly: W3 Prompt #106 - May 9, 2024
- A Reblog— Poetry Book Review: “Poetry Treasures 4” - May 8, 2024
- Share The Wealth: Joy is Our Natural State - May 6, 2024
Beautiful written poem.
” hard to catch a star
at the last bell past midnight
those nosy cold clouds!
*
pouring a glass of water
reflects me a star
cheerful as a New Year’s Day
blessed and holy water
I bow and drink it”
I like this!
Nice sound of water video.
Thanks Selma!
I’m So pleased 😄 you liked this post and the video too, dear Raj.
Thank you dearly.
Most welcome, my friend, Selma 😊
A beautiful poem Selma. When a tragedy strikes near us, we become more mindful of how we live.
We do then—we go back to our default setting. It brings humans together. Thanks for helping comment, dear Sadje. I bless you.
You’re always welcome
I love this tradition and hope for better days to come in the country where you live
Thanks so much, Beth. Blessing to you in your country too. Xoxo
Happy New Year! And a lovely tradition. We could all use more peace, less division, gentler times. Look up, with hope.
Look up with hope. Yes. We need gentler times. Thanks for the comment, my friend. Sending good vibes your way. Xoxo
I love the tradition of catching a reflection in your cup – what a beautiful ritual 🌝 🙏
Ingrid, dear so happy you enjoyed this post that references a family tradition I like too. Thanks for the comment.
This is beautiful. I am so glad you are ok. I just realized where you live! What a tragic event!
Thanks, Luanne dear. May it be calm and bright where you live. Xoxo
Selma, your post radiates resilience and reflection on the challenging start to the year. The way you blend personal traditions, family moments, and a beautiful poem speaks to finding light even in the face of darkness.
~David
Thanks for appreciating all of this, dear David. I appreciate you. May everything be well in your area. Xo
A beautiful poem Selma. I hope the start of the new year will not cloud what follows. We are all touched by nature ..she can be harsh and we all feel the grief even if we are not touched by it personally. Stay safe 💜
Thanks for the comment, Willow. Blessings throughout the new year. Xo
Thank you and you too. I love your poem 💜
Most grateful for these words, Willow. XO
💜💜💜💜
Selma, I loved the two dragons!! Like Janus, but better. LOL! What a wonderful way to bring in the year: “…We try capture the reflection of a star (or moon) in our drinking cups at the last strike of the temple bells every year.” This poem captures the hope we all feel at the beginning of a new year. Keep searching for that light. That will get you through the worst of times. I loved this!! ❤️
Colleen you bless me with your lovely comment. Pleased you liked this. Let’s all keep close to the light. Always.
Thanks so much, Selma. It’s exactly what we must do!
Wow, bow and drink it up… this is an amazing piece of writing.
You are sweet for liking that line, my friend. I’m glad it came out that way. Blessings sweet lady.
Your poem was beautiful, Selma! I love your tradition of seeking the light within the darkness via the moon/star’s reflection in the cup. Here’s to hoping the light overpowers the dark this year.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Yve, Happy New Year, dear one. 🥂 “Here’s to hoping the light overpowers the dark this year.”
Indeed indeed. May this be the way for all of us.
Catching a star or moon’s reflection is a wonderful tradition Selma. Let’s hope for balance, light, and recovery for all.
A beautiful reflection on the turning of the year. (K)
Kerfe, blessings. Glad you appreciated these words.
Please, “Let’s hope for balance, light, and recovery for all this year. Xoxo
Beautiful reflections, Selma and no wonder this is a harder start of the new year for you all. May we all remember that ‘… habitable light that dwells deep within’! Poetically profound!
Hi, Annika. Thanks so much for reading and appreciating these words. May we always encourage each other in our dark and cloudy nights. Glad you’re here. Xoxo
How are things there, Selma? I thought of you when I heard of what happened.
Thank you dear Maria. People in the affected area are coping. Many kind people are helping out. Nothing can replace what they lost but their spirits are healing (I think)
But the animals—oh the livestock!
That’s another face of this tragedy. It’s just so sad.
Thanks for asking, Maria. Blessings to you this year.
All the best to everyone there. You take care always. 🩵
Always. I will. 🙇🏽♀️
Happy New Year, Selma. Your way to peace in light of great loss is a healthy path.
Thanks for that, Lisa. We cope the best way we’re able. Blessings to you for the entirety of the year. Xoxo
I love this ritual you describe, Selma. Thank you for sharing it with us 🙂
My pleasure, friend. Xoxo
Pingback: Recap: 24 Seasons Poetry Challenge No. 15, Part II, Early Cold (January 5 – 20) Shokan 小寒 – Tanka Tuesday
I love your poem, I can feel the cold all the way to my feet too …
💞Suzanne
Hey, Suzanne. So happy you shared the feeling with me. Blessings.
Lovely poem Selma.
Xo 💃🏼 🪩 happy new year 🥳
Happy New Year Selma. 🎉
Happy New year, Selma. I hope things are improving now in Japan. A beautiful poem and tradition.
Thanks, Robbie 🙇🏽♀️
I pray your Year is going great so far!
I pray for the same for you, dear friend. Blessings.
Thanks Belladonna— you as well.