Autumn In Kyoto

Decaying wooden temples, Frozen in place by garden paths That tie them to the earth, A virtual spider’s web from the air. Foliage jealous of the sun Reflecting back its colored hues Of sunrise and sunset, In a last blue holding of breath Anticipating end of life… As if its summer shades of cooler green Were not gift enough, And creation itself not God’s self-portrait. The seasonal earth tilt All that is needed to Lower temperatures to freezing Triggering fall’s avalanche of color, The nip in the air, Like a wolf at our heels Adds an urgency to our steps As we climb wooden stairs to pray To a higher power… The painter touches his brush to the palette, Mixing colors almost without thinking, He fills the canvas with his own demise. Brian Johnston Jan 2, 2015 Poet’s Notes: A special note of appreciation to poet Niko Tiliopoulos of Poemhunter.com whose Poem of the Day on Jan 2, 2015, ‘Don’t Go To Bali’ and especially his poem ‘A Rainy Day In Kyoto’ played a large role in inspiring my poem.