the fox with the sword
he never uses his words
like a samurai
he prefers meditation
over a cherry petal

in silence he feels
a longing for the highlands
there’s no other goal
fox life is the only way
darting through the foggy fens

fleet of foot & tail
the gods can barely spot him
or trace his bearing

the fox looks yonder
at thunder on the mountain
the gods are angry
or maybe they are happy
the cherry petal flutters

ascension begins
climbing over nook & rock
fox ‘neath the lit skies
crystal droplets pelting down
the sword’s unblemished blade edge

fleet of foot & tail
the gods can fairly ponder
his vulpine essence

the fox at the peak
sees the gods in their true form
bow to each other
& then they sit side by side
for endless meditation

so he makes his choice
tender the fox lays his sword
down for the last time
soars into the lawless sky
turning into a petal

fleet of foot & tail
the gods can only look on
in silent envy