"Sonkei" – Nihon (Respect – Japan)

By Bindiya Bedi Charan Noronha 

 

Japan
Of Yore
Warring Bombs  
Harakiris and Samurais
The cruel militia of sex slave infamy
played on my mind
As I made my way into 
Zen Kyoto!
But, much to my delight,
The people I find are 
So very gentle and polite
Oldmen helping at the bus stops 
Guiding the visitors
Noiseless trains
Gardens with legends
Glamorous Geishas too
I did find 
Bamboos and Bridges
Castles, Shrines, Tori gates
Pagodas and Philosopher´s walk
Silent Subtlety
Hypnotizing all senses
The shy, smiling sweetness
I take back from you
Traditional Kyoto!
Heading Onwards 
In Speedy Shinkansen 
To the neon lights of
Terrific Tokyo 
Multicoloured Sensory overload!
Hurrying humanity
Like I never did see before
In Awe, I cruise between
Arty Roppongi nights
Insane Harajuku fashions
Crazy Robot restaurant
Unique Shibuya crossing
Admiring Hachiko´s loyalty
With Sake and Sushi as
My constant companions
Ramen on the Run
Cat cafés, Anime, Sumos 
Adrenalin pumping 
You take me along
Oh, so very boisterous Tokyo
Onwards I go to 
Majestic Mount Fuji
The guardian of the
The magnificent Island country of
Typhoons and Earthquakes
Miraculous transformations 
A complete turnaround!
Cruelty to Kind Consideration
Seeped in Profound Perfection 
Efficiency, Honesty, Graciousness
Oh! the heady Japanese Cocktail!
Of Elegant Minimalism 
Stillness in Speed 
Quietude in Noise
Of legendary Omotenashi 
Salutations to the Buddha 
Land of Exemplary Balance
Tradition, modern and futuristic
All in unison
I bow in reverence to Japan
You touch the soul
like no other can!
Bindiya Bedi Charan Noronha

Omotenashi (hospitality)
Shinkansen (bullet train)


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