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The Imperial Gardens

- The Imperial Gardens -

As steadily as the springtime sees the cherry blossoms fall,
Into the streams near temples ancient and eternally serene…
The autumn sees the fall of leaves, their colors descending,
Falling to the leafy carpet of forests with the fading of day.
I stood beneath the cherry trees past the high palace wall,
In the Imperial Gardens when roses decorated that scene…
Where fountains babbled and spouted, perhaps unending,
In the years when still revered was the proud Samurai way.
But now, the bell tolls in the tower of the grandest shrine…
Reminding me that, in the end, you cannot fight back time.
I see my face reflected in the pools where lilies grow high,
And oft wonder what others will see when they draw nigh.

Was I beautiful, was I fair; was there sunlight in my hair?
I wonder what others will see, when they really look at me.
The crickets call me in the night, whilst the fireflies alight…
Reminding me of simpler hours, spent amongst the flowers.
Does anyone care about those but me? I’ll wait and see!

So many did not see in my art, the truths I tried to convey,
There are some secrets I am doomed to keep for eternity…
Like the silent forests that now in summer are a jade green,
There are none to hear my whisper when I speak my mind.
Just as many shall pass those Imperial Gardens as they may,
Never realizing who fought or died, for their every liberty…
They will not realize who I was while I am here to be seen,
Only one who knocks can open the door to seek, and find.
Was I a fool, to expect that someone could love my heart?
I kept it open always, and was ever willing to do my part…
And now I fear my age is over, fallen like the blossoms too,
But with a secret prayer, I wish for a love endless and true.

Was I noble, was I kind; I never left a single soul behind?
I wonder what others will feel, when they see me for real.
The nightingale sings its’ melody, as it is sitting in a tree…
Reminding me of childhood joys playing with favorite toys.
Does anyone care about those but me? I’ll wait and see!

I walked upon the level, and to my friends I kept it square,
Never faltering in my devotions and obligations to the holy…
But all my faith, all my love, and the charity that I showed,
Are not enough to keep me warm, when comes the winter.
Here I am amongst the gardens, oft walking here and there,
No one but I to know my past, or to ponder what may be…
Too soon will come the cold and then when it has snowed,
Another season will pass in solitude: no laughter or banter.
Only for the cherry trees, to rise up again in the spring air…
Pink and perfect, like a child’s cheeks, both rosy and fair.
Will my hopes come true, as fair as a child’s daydreams?
I pray it will be so, as I watch the garden’s quiet streams.

Was I loved, was I adored; did I strike the perfect chord?
I wonder what others will say, when I am gone someday.
The owl hoots beneath the moon, morning coming soon…
Reminding me of places I knew, and all the things I drew.
Does anyone care about those but me? I’ll wait and see!
Written by Kou_Indigo (Kara L. Pythiana-Ashton)
Published
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