Anoints like holy water
This is the monastery
Here he practices the sacred craft
Sushi rolled, presented, devoured
Simple
Rice, fish, seaweed
But hands rolling speak of more
An art long lost
A way of life forgotten
Forsaken on the road side
Like a pack thrown off
By a traveler who says
It's too heavy
And moves on to more modern
Quicker
Faster
Sleeker
Ways of life that promise
More
Better
Smiles welcome you near
Eased by alcohol
Yet they welcome all the same
Chopsticks plucked by slender fingers
Or fumbled by meaty hands
Tell of different stories, ways of life, history
Passed down by snatches of speech
And smiles with secrets tucked away
Tea leaves read and told of future paths
Roads yet taken, lovers yet unloved
All who enter: present or future friend
For their destiny is inevitable; friendship secure
See, this is a safe place, a solemn sanctuary
Cloistered close by, the monk practices his quiet craft
Diligently passing down his forefathers
In each plate, smile, hearty laugh
He gives food along with grace and the promise of safety
Like a warm embrace from someone you love
Here, tradition and green tea aroma wrap around you
Urging you closer to the future
Excitement in throat and eyes and smile
Of what was, is, to be
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