Umezawa in Sagami Province, by Martin Willitts, Jr

Umezawa in Sagami Province, by Katsishika Hokusai (Japan) 1830-1832,

Umezawa in Sagami Province

Mount Fuji is as tranquil as this stream below. What do I know of silence? The stream takes away all noise and my words. Cranes have taken refuge in foothills in order to escape humans trampling on their sense of peace. 
 
Five cranes are feeding from the stream, eating the silence. Two other cranes try to find the top of Mount Fuji, knowing there is more silence to be found there. How much quietness does anyone need? More, the cranes beg, More. The mountain provides. 
 
The mountain’s imposing cone is deep blue at the base of the mountain and the mountain fades to light blue and white at the summit, rising above the green slopes. My eyes cannot speak as they find the top of Mount Fuji, where everything will vanish into stillness. Bands of pink-tinted clouds cover parts of sky with veils.
 
Cranes know this is where words do not belong. When I never know what to say, I try to find some words. Words destroy the temporary moment for everyone. 

Cranes always know where to find translucent light, and they nest unobtrusively while practicing being a part of soundlessness. 

What do I know of meditation? What do I know of silence?
 
 
                                           Wind whispers softly; 
                                           too much noise for the mountain, 
                                           waking from its nap.


Martin Willitts, Jr

Martin Willitts Jr has 24 chapbooks including the winner of the Turtle Island Quarterly Editor’s Choice Award, The Wire Fence Holding Back the World (Flowstone Press, 2017), plus 16 full-length collections including The Uncertain Lover, Coming Home Celebration. Forthcoming books include Harvest Time (Deerbrook Press) and the Blue Light Award winner The Temporary World. He is an editor for Comstock Review.