Unbroken

 

鍛魂力 TANKONRYOKU - Forge Unbreakable Strength

I

He, who wants to master, needs to first die;

of your tolerance, loved-ones, guidance.

Swords are not cast in courts, but refined;

then fire meets anvil, hammer, water, wind.

Then Soul and Steal become One; dance

of form with composure, sharpness with distance.

Will unbroken, shall prevail in all combat, mind.

II

People burden themselves with many worries;

take teachings, meditations and zen riddles.

Never understanding the root of it carries;

how to shut out of the civil, into the void parry.

What good is a full cup of tea, which cannot sip addled;

trying to grasp more, without concept, befuddled!

Think fluid, less than nothing, past the ovaries.

III

Glossaries and Grimoires like the woman's embrace;

a fleeting moment of turmoil, takes all discipline.

Be strong and control your mind, avoid the gaze;

even in passion and love, remain focussed, in Grace.

True meaning starts, then words and confessions resign;

don't chase after speeches, but do the thing, aim High!

Shoot the Moon, be the Kagemusha, others didn't give face.

IV

Like Tengu in Heaven, Kitsune-Hime disguised;

those who choose the way of the warrior.

Not for the Faint of Heart, who love to be praised;

who raise their sake or bookshelves, outpaced.

You seek new ventures, nobody has tread, crave on;

Forget the barking dogs and lecturing women –

you move your Journey like Go pieces are raised!

V

Then Women slap first, claim, can't be punched back;

move out the dishonesty, turn the other cheek.

Your Soul unbound, unleashed, leave no stack;

go, there the smiles and teasers can't subtract!

What do the dishonest and cowardly know, you seek;

who dwell on wine, perfume, linen, empty reek –

willing to run after any who willing to cover and lack.

VI

Like a Demon, dragon roaming the cherry petals;

gazing at each drop of dew and ray at dawn.

Unbroken by the sinners nor saints meddles;

then the curious to and through your trials.

Seldom find a true soul, who wishes to be drawn;

like a bow, figure on a canvas, each their own Ego spawn!

“I, Me, Mind, Find!” can't stop chattering squirrel futile.

VII

Unfettered, like a butterfly, letting the mind grasp;

lingering attachment cease, so virtue may take flight.

Unbroken is the seamless sight, like the wind past;

where the rigid notions got stuck and clapped their breast!

Where is no up-down, left-right, wrong-right;

no shogun, spoon, but your Will moving, Thrill –

be still and a torrential tempest, at War and outlast!