Zeniarai Benten

Against the sheer rock face stands a simple stone gate

Is there more? Of course - there is always more,

If you just have the patience

to look

For the hollow,

For the path beyond the gate

(That gate?) Yes, there are more

- there are always more

But you must start here, along the path

On soft footsteps into the mountain's heart

(and how many steps into a woman's heart?)

There are always more

But the mountain, the mountain lets you in on a secret

(A secret?) Yes. For now, twenty five steps are enough

And you emerge into the swirl of sunshine and incense,

Bells, and the songs of a thousand years

hidden in the valley cleft

A stone gate, then twelve more of wood

(and how many gates into a woman's heart?)

There are always more

But for now, twelve are enough

There is no hurry -

Here, there is water, shade

and time enough to rest your feet

among other weary pilgrims

as your eyes trace the path ahead:

There, beneath a woody mane,

in the sheer rock face at the heart of the cleft,

Stands a simple stone gate.

(One of the most hypnotically beautiful shrines I have ever been to!)