I was not much more than a boy
when I walked past the dojo
and looked in.
Through the glass,
I saw forms moving and dancing.
Strange and mysterious movements,
magical and full of grace.
I walked in and sat down quietly.
The energy in the room was palpable
and it stirred my young spirit.
I was greeted by a man
with a serenity in his eyes
that I had not yet imagined possessing.
I don't remember what I expected
a martial arts Master to look like.
Ten feet tall and bulletproof, I suppose.
But to me, he looked more like a musician,
which he was.
Or a poet, which he also was.
His eyes, however, spoke volumes.
Joyful but resolute, confident and calm,
and there was no doubting his status.
I became his disciple at that moment,
immersed myself in a new world
and devoted myself solemnly to my studies.
But in time,
the combination of restless youth
and the lure of the wide world
began to pull me in other directions.
Youth always gets the blame, and rightly so.
I was full of explosive, scattered energy
like a tethered colt with legs aching to run
and I had no choice but to give in to it.
There is an old saying,
“When the mind is ready, a teacher appears.”
And as much as I revered my Master,
my mind was not yet ready.
The world had other plans for me.
I traveled widely,
loved and hated,
laughed and cried,
engaged in battle and sought harmony,
was strong and weak,
inspired and heartbroken,
wise and foolish.
I often found myself
in strange and dangerous places,
far from the peace of the dojo.
But the skills I had learned there -
physical, mental, and spiritual -
always served me well.
Twenty years later,
I walked past the dojo and looked in.
I saw forms moving and dancing.
Strange and mysterious movements,
magical and full of grace.
I walked in and sat down quietly.
The same man approached me.
The years had turned him gray
but his back was just as straight
and his eyes were just as steady.
He smiled warmly and said “welcome back”
as if only a single week had passed.
And that simply, I resumed my training.
I always knew
that it was my destiny
to someday return
for I had repeated his words
to friends, and to myself,
a thousand times over the years -
Words passed down through the centuries
from master to master . . .
“Without sorrow, there cannot be joy. Without joy, there cannot be sorrow. It takes one to make us aware of the other. It takes one to make us appreciate the other.”
“Train only to master yourself.”
"A big ego is a big target."
“Humility is King.”
“A rock thrown into a pond will be noticed instantly. Keep the mind calm, like a pond.”
“To strike another is to lose the battle with yourself.”
“From the deepest sincerity comes the greatest achievement.”
"Most people fail when they are on the verge of success. Therefore, pay as much attention to the end as you do to the beginning. Then there will be no failure."
“Hurting another is easy. First, learn how to heal.”
It took many years for his wisdom
to truly take root in my soul
and I sometimes regret
that I ever left the sacred temple.
I may have avoided some of the bloody,
drunken chaos of life.
Then again,
there would have been pain either way.
Wisdom is never free,
and no one passes through this world
without injury.
One day after I returned,
the Master and I sat down over tea
and talked about where we had been.
I was surprised and touched
when he admitted to me
that he had also grown and changed;
that he had become better than he was.
When I was younger,
I had perceived him as a finished being,
more than human somehow.
But of course, none of us are.
No one stays the same, or should.
We must always strive to better ourselves.
Life is a journey
toward the perfection of one's character.
Before, we were only Master and student.
Now we are friends as well.
We seem to have met in the middle.
I have become more of a man,
he has become more childlike,
and we are both happier.
There is a long way yet for me to travel
but I am thankful that the temple still stands.
I am thankful for the kind souls I have found there.
I am thankful, beyond measure,
that the Master still lives,
more magnificently than ever,
and that he is still willing
to show me how I can do the same.
Twenty years. One day.
There is no difference.
And when I feel regret
for ever leaving at all,
again, I hear my Master's words . . .
"There is only Here and Now.
Everything else is an illusion."
And so, each day,
as I close my eyes, bow,
and enter the temple,
all the blood and muck
of this world, of this life,
is rinsed away,
my spirit is young again,
and I am ready;
ready to begin.
Author notes
As published in Inside Kung Fu magazine, July, 2006.
My Grand Master is also known here as Haikumonk.
Thank you for all you have given me.
Mark
Written September 16th, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- Knowledge is Power. by envagorien.
300 points, ended September 21, 2004, 9 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 57 of 57
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This is beyond awesome! I now wish I extended my contest closing date, as this would have been a worthy entry! I love the wisdom this teaches here, as this shows, that martial arts is not just about learning to fight. It is so much MORE! It is a way of life. It is a way of viewing the world, and of mastering one own self, beyond the norm. For some of us, it gives us a new lease on life. What an excellent tribute to your Grand Master! Keep penning!
This is beyond anything I could have in skill to write.
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Thanks, Hetha. So glad you enjoyed it. Don't sell yourself short in the skill department. Remember the old saying - talent is 90% perspiration, 10% inspiration. Or as a great artist once said, "People say they admire my work, but if they knew what I had to go through to develop what skill I may have, they wouldn't admire me at all." lol
Take care and thanks again for your kind words.
Mark
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awesome
Well Mark this was long yet kept me from the momment it started. This was well done and full of passion for your Master. I thank you so much for sharing this read.
"Power is knowing that you can and dont."
good writes.
Much love, Victoria -
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"Power is knowing that you can and don't." So true. Thanks (and sorry for responding to this a year later. I missed it when it was first posted.)
Mark
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abstract dreamer,
Just revisiting some comments and found yours. Thanks again for your kind words and the story about Daniel Thompson. I'd like to read more about your relationship with him. Maybe it's time for a book?
Here's a webpage I dug up on him in case you haven't seen it -
agentofchaos.com/daniel_thompson/
I'm going to go explore his work now myself!
Thanks again,
Mark -
misselaineous,
I was just scanning some old comments here and realized I forgot to thank you for your kind comments. Life can get so darn distracting! So . . . thank you. I appreciate the encouragement and insights.
Peace,
Mark
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Wow, This is really awesome! I am speechless, if only I had half the talent you have in touching the people that you dedicate such pieces to. I knew my daddy was an incredible person and so are you. This is the best tribute to him that anyone could ever write. Great Job Uncle Mark, I am so blessed to have you as my Uncle
Love You
Sara
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Mark..beautifull story in a form of poem..your words flow just naturally especially because it is coming from personal experience..many parts of your poem stirr something inside me..im sure for everyone who read this..they will feel your heart..your emotions...you are such a passionate writer..i like your free style in writing..good job dear freind!
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Mark,
You have crystalized the wonderousness..the power...the meaning of our little temple and our great Master. My appreciation for you, for your return to the school, and for our friendship are without measure. I am also grateful there are those such as yourself who can put into words the power and meaning of having a great Master in our life!!
Thanks are not enough...but sometimes they're all we have (or perhaps, I can add an applause
).
Your awesome!!
joshua -
I think this comment may come late in the game, however: I think the simplicity and length of the tribute underline the very nature of your journey back - it may be long, but for story-telling I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Hey Mike,
That is soooo cool! Thanks for letting me know that this inspired a reunion. I hope it goes well. Though it's not my style, I have always considered Aikido to be one of the most artistic and humane martial arts.
All the best,
Mark -
ok . .you did it : well done
it inspired me to get in touch with my kancho after 30 years and we are again discoursing, although he still resides in NZ . . retired now but still kancho to all NZ Chidokan, mainly training police in aikido techniques now . . and a fellow i trained with now 7th dan and in charge . . how life flows . .lol. . thanks for inspiring me with this piece
mike -
I can see that haikumonk loved this. I think everyone that has read or will read it will be graciously touched, what a wondrous tribute!
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There are many magical lines weaved within this poem:
I was greeted by a man
with a clamness in his eyes
that I had not yet dreamt of.
These words made the man's eyes jump off the page and cause great peace within me.
I became his discipline at that moment
This line reminds me of Danile Thompson poet laureate for our community for nearly thirty years. He was my mentor from ages twenty five through thirty seven when he moved to Colorado for about 10 years. He came back home two years ago when he discovered he had lukemia. I got a chance to sit and ponder many thoughts with him this year. I was also a guest poet along with him in a program we did for the homeless. That was the last time I saw him. He died in June.
The whole 7th Stanza!
Oh hell, the whole poem enchanted my spirit. I loved it, and there is no need to share theGoldwith me. You earned it soley, with no competetion with this masterpiece.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !
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ps well done on the gold x
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this is touching on a number of levels;
your skill and imagery and ability to tell a narrative without being over dramatic is superlative
i love this stanza passionately
Before, we were only Master and student.
Now we are friends as well.
We seem to have met in the middle.
I have become more of a man,
he has become more childlike,
and we are both happier.
i think when we reach that stage of symbiosis the mentor and mentee become one indeed
a lovely lovely poem and tribute to your master -
Well Mark.... I don't know what to say, actually. You have deeply touched my soul with your profound style of wordsmithing.
Thanks so much for your tribute. I'm quickly scanning the dictionary to find words that would really embelish this thank you... but in the end, thank you, I believe, remains perfect as it is.......
...............Thank You................
Don -
Hehe! By George, I think he's got it!
Yes, very good, you get a 'pass' on that. There's hope! 
~ Gennelle
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Okay Genelle, how's that?
Yours truly,
Psychedelic Sam -
RT,
Okay, you got me there. haha
Criticizing Homer. The nerve of you! lol I guess he and I are just a couple of windbags.
See ya,
Mark -
I've read the Illiad and to be honest with you the second and twenty-thrid book aren't really necessary. So it's too long too.
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Thank you for your consideration, Mark...er, intense green, you do like 'em bright huh? I think I've found a 'hopeless case' Try this experiment, stare for 30 seconds at the green of this page, then look at a blank wall or white paper. See the pinkish red after-image, like a photo negative?
My husband knows only too well about male perceptions of colour. He told me of when he was in his twenties, working in Selfridges department store in London, selling men's ties. At least 50% of the sales he made to men would be brought back by their wives (husbands in tow) to change them. The wives would look at him accusingly with an expression which clearly said, "How could you sell this to my husband!".
~Gennelle
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Hey Genelle,
Haha. I don't know what I was thinking with this color, either. I guess I didn't think about it much at all. Hey, I'm a guy. Gimme a break! lol
Quick story - I was a waiter in a fancy restaurant when I was about 20 and they had all the seats reupholstered in pink and green. I was standing with another waiter who "happened" to be gay, and said, "The place sure looks nice with the new pink and green seats, doesn't it?" He looked at me with disgust and said, "It's blush and seafoam!" I realized then that one of the main differences between men and women, or straight guys and gay guys, is that straight men only know the major colors, not all the minor ones in between. lol
I'll change it, though. Thanks for the tip. I had no idea I was "color challenged". I'm challenged in many ways but that's a new one to add to the list. lol
Mark -
Wonderful tribute to a worthy soul! And an excellent example of the journey through lessons of experience that is life.
You do write exceptionally well.
I have a complaint, though. You are seriously challenged in the colour choice department! Do you realize how hard it is on the eyes to read red text on orange? Eeew! The highlighter is just as bad with the shimmer effect at the edges.
I would really love to read your poem again, but my eyes have had it!
~ Gennelle
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Hey Wolf,
"You have grasped me by the throat and opened my eyes."
Is that a kung fu move I don't know about? haha Thanks for reading this one and for that great comment. I appreciate it.
Peace,
Mark
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Dear fairmaiden,
That's one of the nicest things anybody on this site has ever said to me. Thanks very much.
Mark -
Eros,
I am grateful. Thanks. Your comment was brilliant . . . "books make wisdom but men turn animals into human beings." Very true.
Thanks for reading this one.
Mark -
starharbor,
I may have slipped up a few times myself and been nasty. I'm not trying to make myself out as a saint. lol One thing I've noticed in myself and others is that the greatest unkindness is usually directed toward friends or family. I guess that's because they know how to push our buttons better than strangers do, but it's also because we think their love is permanent and they're not going anywhere. (That and a stranger might punch us in the nose for saying the same thing. lol) As the old saying goes, "Friends and family are people who know everything about us and love us anyway." Of course, we can always say we're sorry and strive to be more kind in the future.
Aldous Huxley wrote this about remorse -
"Chronic remorse, as all the moralists are agreed, is a most undesirable sentiment. If you have behaved badly, repent, make what amends you can and address yourself to the task of behaving better next time. On no account brood over your wrong-doing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean."
Peace,
Mark
P.S. Yours is one of the best mottos I've seen on this site!
"Time is the greatest teacher but it kills all its students."
I never heard that one! Sad but so true.
Edited on Sep 17, 5:25 p.m. because ''. -
Hi Rambler,
That's a great story, and very true. Thanks for sharing it.
Mark -
aibelectronics,
Wow, is that a nickname or a company name? You must get that all the time. lol No, I'm not "whitmanian". The only other name I've used here is HappyWanderer. Thanks for reading this, though. I know it's long. lol And thanks for the kind comment.
Mark -
Hey RT,
No, actually, I don't think it's too long. I get that a lot, though. lol I keep writing until the story is finished.
In my own defense, many of the best-loved poems in history were VERY long, so I don't think long poems are the problem. The attention span and interest (or lack thereof) of modern readers is. We're living in a fast food society which creates a fast food mentality. If we can't get immediate gratification, we give up on it. A second problem is we're also bombarded with information constantly so we're all overloaded and can't absorb anymore. I'm guilty of it myself sometimes. But I think the best thing to do if the first few lines of a poem, story or novel grab you is take a deep breath, quiet the mind and settle into the world the writer is trying to create. It isn't always easy to tell a story in 40 words or less. (See Homer's Iliad and/or Odyssey)
Thanks for your honest opinion, though. I hope you don't mind mine.
Best regards,
Mark -
This is really beautifully written I'm not sure if this is based on experience but it seems a very personal and in depth piece. Although unusual in form, it has a really nice moral behind it! The very best of luck with the contest! Well done and good luck with your poetry writing
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great moral
such a beautiful written and yes what he said is true a remarable ways of life tought to to ...you must be real grateful to God for this opertunity...books make wisdom but men turn animals into human beings... -
Moving
That is AMAZING and so eye opening like Worl of Night said above. It flowed so nicely and touched me. I especially love the quotes, they are so true. APPLAURE GALORE RIGHT HERE! Keep up the good work!! -
Very nicely writen. You have grasped me by the throat and opened my eyes. Great job
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Really truely mouth opening here!!!! As always i enjoyed it! This is something all writers need to read. We all stand for better poetry and as always we have teachers who also need help too!!!!! Wonderful work Mark. Since years ago when we first met at 'ol Moontown you have still got that true work of art.
YFA,
Sandy -
this is a very interesting and inspiring write. I enjoyed reading this. well done.
best wishes to you...
~ Lea -
that is possibly the longest poem i've ever read but it's really good and kept me wanting to finish it off. Great write
adios -
Awesome job!
WOW what a piece of writing, the depth of this is an abyss. What wonderful sentiments layer this poem and of course the words of your master are formidable and true. I remember the words of another master who said that to win a thousand battles is indeed a great victory, but to have fought and won a thousand battles is not the greatest skill, to subdue the enemy without fighting is the greatest skill. This is a wonderful poem Mark that is rich in imagery and has a vivid and spiritual tone. A great piece of writing, well done.
~Samantha
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This poem was reeeeally good...It reminded me of the Karate Kid movies. I like how you repeated the same stanza again when you returned to the dojo years later. That was neat. Anyways, great poem. Keep that pen to paper. Much deserved applause.
Ashley
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this is truly fantastic poetry. i loved the words. serene and humble and welcoming. well worthy of a smile from these eyes nicely penned, thought, lived.
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It's a little long for my taste, I may come back and finish, so far I like it .
Kami -
if only the world was full of such tender understanding souls as that of the author and his master what a wonderful world it would be!
Edited on Sep 17, 9:17 because 'spelling error'. -
Amazing Write
That was a beautiful tribute to your grandmaster. I loved reading it. The bits of wisdom and insight gave me the chills while I read it. Not many things I come across on this sight does that. -
Excellent Write
What a beautiful tribute to a very special person in your life. I sometimes wish that I had someone like this that could help me become a better person, to help me discover my true potential, but as of yet I haven't met them....which is sad
Still I am still young and I'm sure I will find them eventually. Thank you for sharing this beautiful write. Luv Niky xx
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Very well written, and the truth of the world is held in it. Everyone should try to learn what you have. The world would be a much better place. You have given honor through your words, well done.
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Yes I will thank him for have talked to you, for holding the temple open, for being who he is. But it is you who chose the way to follow and I think you were born that way, friendly.
You are so right when you say that we make other people happy when we feel happy, smile is contagious you know I'm a happy person by nature, when I feel down I don't go to sit in a corner (not for too long though) feeling miserable, I do start to sing or will help someone with something. I'm sure that many people will not agree but life is too short and there a millions of people living in a situation 1.000 times worse than mine will ever be, and yet they still smile, kids all over the world are smiling even when they don't have much too eat. I feel myself blessed no matter how big the problems that I face may be. And you my friend, do not deserve a pat on your back only. Fo you is chapeau (hat off)
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I have long been helped by the kind of wisdom coming from the Eastern mind. I know a guy who was also given direction by the master of a dojo. When straigtening chairs in the dojo after a session his master told him that the hasty manner in which he did it indicated a lack of proper respect for the dojo. At first he thought this was a rather anal point. But later he knew that what the master said was true and it helped change his attitude.
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very good
What a life good write good read -
Do you not think this is a bit long, I must confess I didn't finish it.
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Ah, as there's no icon for contest poems, I clicked this not knowing whether to expect a poem or a story... and got both. There's a lesson in that alone.
I liked this a lot. There's much to admire in both the poem and the poet. Even in your extended comment reply, the sentence "even in the worst of times, I was always friendly to people." speaks volumes. I wish I could say that was true for me.
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I am impressed and I wish I had that much self-discipline. I liked several of your bits of wisdom. Especially 'life is journey toward perfection of one's character'. If you can master that then your master taught you well.
Sincerely,
Leo Long -
v.good
one think that struck me on first reading this poem, is the style and form in which it was written. Are you "whitmaninan"?
Shows we can write beautiful poems even without rhymes. -
Hi Mari,
Hmm, interesting question. First, I must give myself a pat on the back and say that even in the worst of times, I was always friendly to people. That's just my character. In fact, I've laughed at myself over that very thing. I can be in the worst mood humanly possible but if someone walks by and says hello, I always smile and say hello back. I've never been the kind to take my problems out on others. You can't fight basic nature. The next step in my spiritual development is learning how to turn the other cheek when someone is going out of their way to insult me. That's something I've never been very good at. lol
I still have my low moods but they are much less frequent since I resumed my training and I am much happier overall, which makes me more able to make others close to me happy. So if you want to thank haikumonk for helping me to be happy, please do, because that is definitely true.
I had a conversation with a friend just yesterday about this. We decided that the most unselfish thing a person can do is make sure they are happy and fulfilled themselves. The people we love are happier when we're happy so if we are constantly denying ourselves, they will see that we are unhappy and no amount of lecturing or pleading for them to live their lives happily will have any effect. There is something I have always said -
I don't take health and fitness advice from obese people.
I don't take financial advice from homeless people.
And I don't take advice on how to live my life from someone with no joy in his eyes.
There is also nothing nobler a human being can do than improving him/herself. It not only betters the person but it betters everyone that person knows or comes into contact with, and society in general.
My poem The Dirty Mirror is basically about deflecting painful and habitual negative thoughts with positive action. That is what my kung fu training helps me do. The dojo that Don has created over the past 30+ years is not just a school, it's a temple full of happy monks. A lot of people think one must be dead serious to become a warrior, but it's easier to learn when one is happy, relaxed and not fearful of being harmed or ridiculed. It's a great school because of the Master's energy. He is as talented as he is humble, and he doesn't take himself seriously, which is the first rule of humor. I shudder to think of martial arts schools run by egomaniacs where all the students are thinking, "What a jerk." I'm sure there are plenty of schools like that out there. What a bummer that would be.
Anyway, so yes, please DO thank him. I would appreciate it. And thank you for always being so kind to me, Mari. I feel the same way about you. You're the brightest light on this site.
Your friend,
Mark -
Mark, this poem isn't only well written (which isn't a surprise) but has too a very emotional view. You have told us so many times how turbulent your life had been, and how good you could change it not allowing yourself to fall and stay in a hole filled with darkness.
You have found your way in the temple and in the words of the Master, and everyone can see how great it was!
You are one of the poets here that I truly admire; your kindness and cheerful words are a big inspiration and incentive for many of us. Should we thank Don for that?
K&L,
Mari
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smiles . . well done, stirred my emotions of my old dojo and kancho
"to strive for the perfection of character" was the 1st of 5 mottos chanted after meditation at training, very similar of course to the one above in your poem "toward the perfection of one's character."
thanks for the images
mike -
This poem makes me respect the love and esteem you have for your Grand Master. I enjoyed reading it, for it told the story of how you lived, and how he changed your life. Great job, I know that your Master will appreciate it!
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