***I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters contained therein, I was just inexplicably inspired them.***


Another Day


He was always cheerful, but really
He must have found everyday hopelessly depressing.



I open my eyes
it is another day
and I am still alive
I guess dying peacefully in my sleep
is more than I can hope for.

There are still stars out
but I know I won't be able
to sleep now,
so I rise from the futon
and dress.

Not that I want to die mind you
but some things are inevitable.
I have lived with the knowledge
of my impending demise
since I was a child.
Death may not be an old friend
but it is at least
a very familar enemy

I step outside the hut
we are staying in.
because the last rich landlord
declined my offered excorcism.
Ah the irony.
Offering to lift the evil for others
When the curse on my own hand
is killing me.
I can't even help myself

I hike the side of a nearby hill and sit
to think.
I look at my right hand,
carefully wrapped and sealed.
"Hands," someone once told me
"are the closest things humans have
to wings."
Forgive me, if I find that
more than a little depressing.

Where do the things go that I suck in?
Do they become a part of me?
Am I more than just a houshi?
Am I now a rock, an ocean, a monster
and countless pieces of scenery?

Or do they just disappear?
When the air rip consumes me
Will I simply disappear
soul and all?

It is easier to meditate here alone.
I left my staff behind
so the rest won't worry,
Or come searching for me.
I need a little time to myself

The sun slowly rises.
I can imagine the girls dressing
and Sango's hand across my face
as if she could read my mind.
What is wrong with appreciating beauty?
If this life is all I have,
what is wrong with enjoying it?

If we don't get to Naraku in time
I will be gone
simple as that
like my dad
and my grandad before me.

Despite my staff
the others will be anxious
if I stay away to long.
They treat me as if I am fragile lately.

I think I worried them at the temple,
I almost punched my number back then.
Dog-boy stopped me,
and threatened to break my arm
if I tried it another time.
I smile ruefully
I would do it again.

Don't get me wrong
much as I may like playing one
I'm not a hero
If it is my fate
then I will go,
but not without trying
to do something first.

Shippo's voice comes up
the hill for me,
anxious, searching.
I put on a smile
and go down the hill
to meet him.


~Rachel Fox~ 01/02


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First I would like to thank Chris Rijk for his excellent Inyuyasha translations which allowed me to access the world of Inuyasha. Having said that, I have to confess that Inuyasha is not really my cup of tea, but when something moves me, and inspiration comes, I have learned not to question it too closely. I like the character of Miroku, and the paradoxes he represents. After reading about the incident at Mushin's temple, something Kagome said really stood out in my mind, and this poem started forming itself. Here, after several heavy revisions, is the end result. Thank you to all the people who read it first and made suggestions. If anyone else has comments or constuctive criticism feel free to email me at aerinn@hotmail.com Thanks for reading!