Zatoichi Monogatari
(A tribute to the Blind Swordsman)
by Art~
“You are like a candle,
as you melt,
you illuminate the world.”
Lost his sight when he was two years old,
when his minds eye thinks of his mother,
She is always young, even now that she is gone.
“A falling leaf does not hate the wind.”
Fumbling blind fingers reach
for a beautiful sound
an egg is found,
as a bird, away flutters.
“Mother bird come back,
you forgot you young.”
Ichi san kept it warm till the hatching was done.
In a little hatch basket it lived,
surrogate mother Ichi provided.
“Perhaps a falling leaf does hate the wind?”
In 6 seconds, six men will fall,
if their swords are drawn on Zatoichi san.
“A Samurai and his sword are the same.”
A humble blind mans walking cane,
cloaks a Dragons talon.
“A small fish caught up in the current.”
Bathed in blood so many times,
He wishes to know red.
How do you describe such a color?
To a man who has never seen the setting sun
Or a red maple leaf?
Drip drip drip drip
Ichi san smiles,
listening to the waters song.
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(The infamous blind Samurai wandered the countryside of Japan in the early 1800s. The immortal ‘Star’ died in 1992. Zatoichis’ natural charm, wit and quick sword won the hearts of many in a series of 26 Japanese movies, in the 1960s.)
He was as mild mannered as Mr. Miagi of the Karate Kid and the swordsmanship of any Samurai. Traveling the country side spreading his charm with-out even trying. The film was such a great hit they made 26 movies using this character, directed by Kenji Misumi, is the first film of a classic Japanese samurai drama saga starring Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi.
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This Etegami inspired by; The Tale of My Heart
His blog/post…“Wise Man vs The Fool”
(click on picture to enlarge)
have a zen-filled day
6 comments
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November 16, 2011 at 6:56 am
Janece
Oh, I’ve never heard of him. Thanks, Art. As I writer, I was immediately captured with the challenge: How would you describe the color “RED” to a blind person?”
Hummm…
My first thought was to use sensation… warm, like when you put your hand ALMOST to close to the flame. Or the smell of cinnamon. The taste of chili pepper.
November 16, 2011 at 12:45 pm
zendictive
well, that is closer than I got. I was thinking about the sun and the description of anger. I believe this “describe the color; Red” was in the Zatoichi film, Blind Fury, and can be seen on Crackle.com. The charactor was so well liked that they made 26 films about him and a play. The star is so likeable I watched several of the movies but they are in subtitles, if you don’t mind that sort of thing.
bows (~_~) humble
November 16, 2011 at 7:48 am
empressalice
yes thankyou. stay true and search for beauty
November 16, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Fergiemoto
Your etegami just keeps getting better and better! I like seeing your art blossom.
November 16, 2011 at 3:36 pm
granbee
How truly blessed to just forget “all of the above” and smile while listening to the water’s song! Thank you for centering us down to this joy with your powerful blind samurai post today. How truly wise you are MOST days, Art!
November 18, 2011 at 2:29 pm
semprevento
“A falling leaf does not hate the wind.”
Thank you for visiting in ” sempreventophots”
vento