Miyako in the Mist

A photograph and poem by Ian Ropke:

Miyako in the Mist

mist rising from my eyes
and I know there’s more

as when I see mists
twisting across the slopes way above Ginkakuji
drifting in a haunted motion between the red pines
and I imagine brontosaurus feeding calmly in the dawn

mists beckoning from a mile away
you capture me as easily

as when I am having breakfast
at the Miyako Hotel in the rainy season
and I slowly forget the luxury and the servants
as I’m caught up in the ineffable magic that is Kyoto

mists in the distance
moving towards heaven

I followed a mist dragon years ago
in the steep mountain folds beyond Arashiyama
moving south with the grace of 10,000 years
towards the rising dawn of a perfect May morning

mist in my eyes
when I feel too much inside

mist from the hazy abandon of your careless youth
rising from silent ponds, mingling with the deer’s screaming call
piercing the Heian dawn and electrifying the few hopeful sleepers
that still long for magic with one open ear.

Ian Ropke is the author of the Historical Dictionary of Osaka and Kyoto, editor of Kyoto Visitors Guide, and director of Your Japan Private Tours. He will post regularly for Deep Kyoto on the 15th of each month.

Related Articles:
The Enchanted City
Introducing Ian Ropke