ShenKu

 

 

 

The 4 Bells – A chime to pay for yesterday, forever lost along this way – Another for an old friend past, on fortunes wheel did we cast – One chime to God whoever be, in blackness we before to see – Last to you and ancient rhyme cut in a bell on the edge of time
. . . and the traveler came to four roads that met at one place, and before each was a bell, and on each bell was a rhyme. . . and the traveler chose a road and struck the bell, for such was the destiny of that place. And in due course the traveler came to four roads that met in one place. . .
The Beast – On a desert broad toward the sky did weary feet go stumbling by. With bloodshot eye on distant peak might therein be what we seek – For has not each a secret dream a castle tall or sparkling stream. Or held inside a childhood fear grown darker with each passing year – Had I a dread by night before of beastly face and ghastly jaw. Inside deep cavern waiting still up jagged path on lonely hill.
Must all we travel so by here the wings of past fly now so near. In this black cave a phantom stole reflection of a galactic hole.
The Sail – Lonely ship by tempest drove toward a dark uncharted cove. With tattered sail and bloody limb croak out thy half forgotten hymn – Night so black asunder tore lightning strike with crooked claw. Above the storm did thunder roar and savage surf on jagged shore – Has fate this voyage crept too near my ship yon ghastly grave to clear. Dark tomb below I shall not fear shed I this tear for yesteryear.
May shadows past no shadow cast across this way I sail today. In time all pain will sleep again far from by grace this haunted place.
The Sword – Robbers four fro hiding they, with fearsome blade did rush to slay chance passers-by this lonely way, no price too high for some today – And so a traveler dusty came along the road which had no name. To meet before at heaven’s door dark spirits from these robbers four – But all that seems must not so be, a mother’s tears into the sea,. Did ragged coat a secret hide or fate on such a gamble ride.
With movement faster than an eye, cloth and severed limb did fly. Must all we by our hand so die, once more as dust across the sky.