“Kintsugi”

On By Mike U.In Poetry

“Kintsugi”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

In the winter hour
Of my broken soul
This fragile vase cannot contain
My essence

It sits cracked
On the cornerstone of my hut
Catching melting snow
From which my heart drinks

My soul, old and plain
Cannot match the pace
Of setting sun or rising moon
Or brisk stream

Nor can it
Rival beautiful sakura
Kiku or fuji
But it is my soul

Born in raku fire
Tested by the flames
Etched and pitted by the glaze of
Toil and tears

Loneliness
Has found me at last as long years
Pass by on the trail
Up the mountainside

Misty mysteries
Hidden from my eyes
As I watch my sorrowful tears
Melt the snow

I have lost
Many pieces of myself through
Seasons of regret
Too many winters

How can I replace
All that has perished
All my soul has cannibalized
In my pain

Who can find
A way to patch this vase that leaks
My life on the ground
Draining my essence

Who will knead the clay
Who will brave the snow
To gather golden suisen
Seal the cracks

Kintsugi
Make my mournful soul whole again
Gild my wounds and heal
Me with tender care

Fill my soul with hope
Set me on the path
Up the mountainside so I may
Find my way
Again

25 thoughts on ““Kintsugi””

      2. Hey U.! Mike, you.

        Your words are very powerful in this piece. There is a melodic beauty that can be found even in the loneliness that is in your words and an evocative vulnerability. It’s like a ‘prayer’ for your own healing. There are so many powerful metaphors in pottery and it’s act of creation (and repair), and you have chosen one of my favourite.

        As Leonard Cohen croons – ‘There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.’

        May your soul be filled with hope, and you feel you are on your path again.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Juliette. I’m always happy to receive your kind words. They’re so appreciated. My soul has a ways to go yet but I’m trying. I hope you’ve been doing well. It’s always good to hear from you. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much. You’re right, too–some of the best. most healing moments can occur when we least expect them and from seemingly insignificant circumstances. Writing comes to mind, or nature photography, or just sitting alone and listening to the earth and sky. Just imagine: gilded battle scars to show our progress in our life’s journey! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Grace. Always glad to know my words spoke to you. The whole kintsugi (and wabi-sabi and mushin) concept is burgeoning with poetic metaphors. I hope to do more exploring of these philosophies in my poetry. So happy you liked this one. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Much thanks, David. There’s such an abundance of vivid imagery associated with this concept: trails by fire, wounds and scars, self-repair, beauty through imperfection, and self-acceptance, set against nature’s fertile backdrop. I’m really glad you enjoyed this one. Means a lot to me. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Pingback: A Poetic Prayer For Hope – The Alchemist's Studio

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