WORDS

Stilled waters
of a stagnant pool
closed over time
by accumulation
of debris, isolated
from the pristine flow
of a mountain stream.

I have been idle
for too long.

Blackening clouds
of a gathering storm
on jagged peaks
may liberate
a self-imposed
imprisonment.

A mantis sways
by the side
of a trail
as a cooling breeze
sends murmurs
through a bamboo forest.

Untouched books
gathering dust
have been reopened.

Meandering egrets
half-hidden amongst reeds
take to azure skies
as I approach,
alone by a shore
with the sound
of lapping water

and the knowledge
of a blueprint
which leads to
massacres.

Poured over pages
of a diary,
that spawned
diatribes of hate,
until tired eyes
could no longer see.

These things
I have studied
then turned away,
there is no solace,
but the barrel
has been refilled.