arrows spent in war
naked bowstring drawn to ear
release is music
Author notes
Haiku form.
I studied Kyudo for a short time. Kyudo means "Way of the Bow" and it is a form of Japanese archery--it is sometimes called "Zen Archery". In kyudo the yumi (bow) is extremely long (6 feet). The bow string is drawn all the way back to the archer's ear.
When the string is released without an arrow it has a musical quality.
Kyudo article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ky%C5%ABd%C5%8D
Video clip of Kyudo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJKXeT9FAhs&feature=related
A contest entry
- Wanted: Zen Poetry by Cynthia Gaines.
2100 points, ended February 20, 60 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
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I must heartily concur with Renee's assessment of this incredible feast of words, Brian. Indeed, its required brevity unleashes its most sacred fires from within. Such stellar writing dwells softly upon your page, Scribe. 
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I am surprised that this haiku did not earn some type of mention. The "zen" quality here is outstanding. I hear the bow without even visiting YouTube. Your poem gave me the sensation and the sound. Beautiful!
Much Love & Respect ♥
Renee
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I can hear this poem. It has a distinctive sound that flashes pass the ear with even tones, almost like the quickness of life. Beautiful!
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I still love this one
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Awesome!
I followed the link to the video clip Kyudo. Powerful display of control and discipline. I have learned so much visiting your page. Thank you. Congratulations on winning also.
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Perfect Title...
Thank you for this profound, unique and thought-provoking entry. I'm wishing you the best, and good luck in the contest!! Peace always, xx Cyn 
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What a wonderful portrait of the viola or violin you've strummed with this eloquently written senryu. The "zen" quality is very present in this writ poet. The first line makes me visit so many images. I wish you well in the challenge.
Much Love & Respect ♥
Renee
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simple beauty.
love, lane
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That sound of the music as the arrow takes flight stinging through the air...sweet notes from a weapon designed to main kill and do harm in soft flesh...seems wrong that weapons should make music....following the path of man. Good luck in the contest.
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Excellent.
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Your words create thoughts
of the twentieth of January,
more naked bows, fewer arrows,
hopes musically released....
Not your intent,
but where I was sent.
M-C
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Ahh such a deep and meaningful piece. The thought of no trappings around us bringing us closer to the purity in which we were supposed to live. But the arrow joined the bow to make an instrument of war.
Will we ever bring back the music.
Wonderful, as always.
Best wishes with this.
Gaylene
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Cool beans.
I really love that second line; it's terribly evocative.
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Excellent haiku. Are the arrows spent because the war is over, and now bows serve best making music? Or was the war one of mastering self (expressed through kyudo), and the achievement music to the soul? Beauty in possible interpretations of this. Excellent author notes.
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It takes a brillaint poet to write such excellence in so few words...
Amazing
Lynda
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!!!
arrows spent in war
naked bowstring drawn to ear
release is music
I've been reading a collection of jesei-
The warrior spirit of the Japanese is sometimes frightful!
That you blend music, poetry and war seems not at all strange to their national spirit !
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Where did you find the collection? On a website? In a book? I'd like to read them myself. I know what you mean about the sometimes frightful nature of the Japanese warrior spirit. Have you ever read Mushashi's Book of Five Rings? Talk about frightful--yikes!
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I bought it on Ebay. A very compehesive collection wirh an excellent introduction to give the poems a context. "Japanese Death Poems". I've not heard of the "Book of Five Rings?"
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I really liked the idea of the instrument of war transformed from something of destruction when equipped, to something of creation when naked. I found that thought quite compelling. To me, there is something incredibly hopeful about that idea. Also a feeling of, I don't know, restoration maybe... peace? Intriguing.
Even these short phrases bear your usual unique perspective and beauty of thought. Attention to such details as the sound of the bowstring is the mark of a true poet. Few things escape notice, or articulation. Well done.
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