Between Raindrops
(Sasusaku)
Within every gush of wind, through the faintest breeze . . . two paths will join.
If only for an instant, they will linger, then swiftly move forward.
There will be silence as the moon caresses the earth. . .
Then the stars will fade, and the mist will smother them; nothing left.
Only one fire will glow. Flickering without fear, dancing towards the crossroads.
Burning with curiosity, she will gaze upward.
Under every eclipse, the light is shaded, paths become dark.
The fire, once free under its beauty, is moved by its pain . . . yet unmoved, for she cannot see.
Unable to comprehend, she waits for it to become clear. Then, crackling descends from the heavens.
Frightened, for now she cannot hear.
Still, she waits for it to pass . . . it doesn't.
The handsome night she once had glided through is now gone. . . Her light slightly dims.
Then, as if by one whim, small pieces begin to fall. Slowly and barely, wet and crisp, they drop.
She falters, continuing to dim, until she can hold the fire within her palms.
Still waiting, she protects that single flame. The only hope of warmth, against the bitter cold. . .
The only hope she has.
These wet tears will fall, but she cannot feel them. Surrounding her, yet avoiding her.
Trying to crush the spirit of the flame.
Like everything else, she wants to be washed away; dampened and purified. As it is the only way she can be reached.
Yet, it does not come. . . For now, she cannot feel.
In every rainstorm . . . there is a secret. Every droplet . . . a feeling washed away.
Under each one, the earth is bathed.
But, between the raindrops . . . someone always stands, waiting to be found.