Whispers Beneath the Jade Mirror

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Quote:"Lurking in stone’s shadow, quietly flows a fleeting saga of heroism. 
And I, too, swim like that koi—through stillness, I traverse time in contemplation. " --- Zen thought

In the jade-mirrored stillness, scales ripple like silent sutras, 
Broidered ghosts of light drifting beneath stone and shadow. 
Each breath of water carries a hush—a teaching unspoken, 
Inviting the mind to rest in the ebb of being and non-being. 

A single red mark, bright as a lantern in deep quiet, 
Breaks the surface of calm—a spark of courage in stillness. 
Here, the koi becomes memoir of perseverance—the ancient river’s echo of transformation, 
Softly urging, "Continue beyond the current, and become." 

Beneath moss-fingered rocks, time flows in slow meditation, 
Every ripple a lesson, every current a silent koan. 
The fish, with graceful intent, glides through root and reflection, 
An embodiment of Zen’s paradox: movement within stillness. 

And so I am koi in the mirrored pond—seeking and serene— 
My heart a tracing of curves on water’s face, 
Finding in each quiet stroke the eternal in the ephemeral, 
Swimming not to arrive, but simply to become luminous.

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Valsa George

Date: 8/20/2025 5:09:00 AM

"movement within stillness." The koi, (we call it here as carp) is the embodiment of movement in the still pond. Your comparison of yourself to the koi suggests so much. The concluding lines are just breathtaking. "My heart a tracing of curves on water’s face, Finding in each quiet stroke the eternal in the ephemeral, Swimming not to arrive, but simply to become luminous." You have already attained that luminosity, dear poet. Such deep philosophical broodings.

Bill Baker

Date: 8/15/2025 10:44:00 PM

A FAV for this fine poetry, my friend. Lovely imagery and the use of metaphor to bring your being into the being of the Koi was transformative. Your knowledge of meditation and Zen was informative and calming as I took the journey with you in spirit. It is so peaceful to experience other forms of life through meditation. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and poetry with us, my friend. Blessings, Bill

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 8/15/2025 5:25:00 PM

a transformative and calming poem, Jay. Your imagery is breathtaking and beyond description. You have an outstanding poetic voice. I especially liked: Beneath moss-fingered rocks, time flows in slow meditation, Every ripple a lesson, every current a silent koan. The fish, with graceful intent, glides through root and reflection, An embodiment of Zen’s paradox: movement within stillness. I just flowed over these words, words filled with grace. Thank you.

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 8/15/2025 2:17:00 PM

Hello Jay, I love how you’ve made the koi both guide and mirror, swimming through shadow and stone, carrying lessons of courage, perseverance, and transformation. The red mark, like a lantern in deep quiet, is such a wonderful touch and a spark of life in the stillness, both delicate and bold. Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 8/15/2025 1:43:00 PM

- A beautiful place to find one's inner thoughts and feelings... movement in silence sounds wonderful, Jay :) - Lovely weekend :) - hugs