Those who actually own Inuyasha and his companions can't fit most of the small but precious moments into a half hour show, so I who own no rights to them will make room.

Interludes and Little Joys

Young grass and new bud

Bring forth spring's innocent joy

Cherish and renew

I don't think he makes up the Haiku for me. I get the sense that they were always part of him, and now that he knows I am willing to share his life he shares them with me. This one is a celebration of the calm beautiful day we have taken to rest in this meadow. He kneels in the grass watching Shippo chasing butterflies with Kirara. I stand behind him and place my hand on his shoulder. "Some day our son and daughter will know such springs."

Oh glorious star

Parted from me by karma

I would be worthy

Kagome brought us village for the festival of the summer lovers. She wanted to explain romance to Inuyasha, but she might as well be talking to a dog instead of a dog demon. Shippo is almost asleep. He has been riding on Miroku's shoulders all evening and batting all the paper lamps and streamers he could reach. In the crush of the crowd we stand holding hands, and listen to an old woman tell the story of the stars Altair and Vega.

"There once was a brave young Shepherd named Altair, and a princess, the Weaver-girl Vega, who so loved each other they foolishly neglected their work. This angered the Emperor of the Heavens. So great was his wrath, that he separated them by a river, the Milky Way, where on only one night each year, this night, a magical bridge is formed on the wings of Magpies and the two are allowed to cross and be together. It has rained on the night of their ordained meeting, for the past seven years. Each year the river has overflowed and they would not have a chance to meet again for a full year. This year they have met again on this fine night, and their great joy shall bring luck to all lovers for the coming year." I hope we will share in that luck.

Time of harvest thanks

The passing of all souls felt

Grief joy samsára

Autumn Equinox arrived and Kagome was needed at home. Before I could even ask, Miroku suggested that he accompany my back to my village, so I could honor the dead. When the others looked askance at him, he reminded them that he was still a monk and would like to observe the traditional day of meditation. It was a good journey. Like Kagome said, he did spend much of it "meditating" on the movement of my behind, but I'm learning not to care. Sometimes it feels good to be appreciated in that way. It kept up my spirits as we cleaned shrines and repaired buildings in my old village. It is good to have a loved one who can give voice to the prayers for safe passage to nirvana. We gave comfort to each other as we looked upon the Fall decay of the village, and knew that if we made it through the Winter of our journey, that our lives would here Spring forth anew.

Steam rising snow falls

Pools of warmth in winter chill

Snow falling smoke flies

We have been traveling along a well used road between the lands of two friendly lords. The villagers told us to stop here at this well marked campsite and now I see why. Wile the snow falls outside we slip in and out of the many hot springs tucked into the folds of this cave. Right now we are playing hide and seek, but I am taking note of certain places with the hope of slipping away with Miroku later tonight.