Tag Archives: The sisters

(Walking into the immense exhibition hall

of intricately carved wooden “floats”

in Takayama the variety and beauty

of human celebration gleamed

amidst glass reflections of amazing detail.

 

When they are in action,

twice a year the floats

are pulled across the red bridges of Takayama

and through the streets with traditional music

and is a great and beloved spectacle. 

 

Many have large marionettes

 as part of their carvings,

 one float takes eight puppeteers 

to enact the traditional gestures. 

 

There are in all of our personal histories, 

detailed traditions that are dear and intricate, 

and many that we ourselves create, 

and repeat, 

more private, personal, 

but with the same kind of powerful significance 

that grows with repetition, 

and becomes more intricate. 

 

When we were in the giant glass exhibition hall 

I was reminded of my tradition of saving broken things, 

my clear jars filled with colorful wonders, 

the collection growing more intricate

 (and humorous- it even contains my two small red cameras 

that stopped working with their lenses stuck out on our last trip to Japan! )

 

The clear glass viewing jars 

seem opposite and miniature 

and yet in tune with 

the glorious spectacle before us. 

 

Also the celebration of friends 

about to happen tonight, 

came happily to my imagination. 

 

During the visit in Hakone, 

where we travel today, 

some traditional meeting details 

will be enacted for sure. 

 

Mariko Kitakuboand I 

will one of the days where our “twin dresses” 

(costumes of celebration) 

we bought together on Catalina Island. 

I have the kimono she gave me in my suitcase… 

and there are other happy gestures 

that are details of our play. 

 

Kris Kondo will also join us, 

and I will wear the fantastic earrings 

she made as part of my costume. 

All the details and objects of association 

become like family treasures, 

cherished and brought out 

especially for the occasions of our meetings. 

 

What detailed traditional objects and ceremonies 

have you created yourself,

simple or elaborate,

that have strong associations,

meanings of the heart for you?

 

Also family traditions

that are unique to place and personal creation?

 

How do they open in meaning and power in your tanka?)