Little Shrine

Little Shrine, Half hidden in the trees, Stark branches and stark stone, On this cold winter’s day, You are all alone. Rough cut stone steps in the side of the hill, Lead you away from the everyday, Into the woods, With stone lanterns to light the way. I wish it was summer, That I might see, The porcelain stone foxes under sun-dappled leaves, What an image! Tiny shrine at the top of the hill, Almost forgotten, In winter’s chill, Alone with the gods. Japanese kami, What might you be, To live all alone in the forests and trees, With only two lanterns and a shrine, Proof that you might be?