Panoramic Arashiyama - Togetsukyō Bridge

Togetsukyō Bridge (渡月橋, Moon Crossing Bridge)

Arashiyama Hanatouro (嵐山花灯路)

Arashiyama, Kansai

Honshu, Japan

Winter, December 2013

A calm serene plane

reflects lights, projecting colors.

Gentle golds, blues, on a sheet of black,

daring someone to notice them.

A scene of beauty, majesty, wonder

unrivaled by any other.

A pattern of rusted metal, 

unattractive in the minds eye,

yet stunning to the beholder.

A peace of mind settles over

the eager visitor, impressed

by the display.

A bridge between worlds, 

so worldly and yet, 

not of this world at all. 

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Panoramic Kobe Luminaire

Kobe Luminarie (神戸ルミナリエ)

Kobe, Kansai

Honshu, Japan

Winter, December 2013

I see the flickering flame

And marvel at its brightness

Its warmth

Though its light

Is quite tiny

Somehow

The brightness

Illuminates the room

And manages 

To brighten

My heart—

For in this flame

Burns a steady promise

Of a love and friendship shared

Across miles and miles

On this earthly plane

 And when I feel the steady warmth

Flowing from my heart

And see the light shining 

Like a tiny beacon of hope—

I know that this little candle 

Is a symbol of love and warmth

And truth.

Thank you, dear friend.

In finding you,

I am finding me again.

"Candlelight" Poem by Pamela Rae

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Panoramic Nara - Tōdaiji Temple

Tōdaiji Temple (東大寺)
Nara, Kansai
Honshu, Japan
Winter, December 2013

Ringing bells 

Blissful strike 

Traditional chants 

An energizing feel

Lighted lamps 

A pleasing sight 

Devotional songs 

A prayful world 

Vintage structure 

A timeless boon 

Garlanded deity 

Deepening springs 

"My Village Temple" Poem by Ravi Panamanna,

AllPoetry.com

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Panoramic Himeji - Egret's Eye View

Himeji Castle (姫路城)

Himeji (姫路), Hyōgo (兵庫県)

Kansai (関西), Honshū (本州), Japan (日本)

Autumn, December 2013

Towered over the countryside;

stood mighty palace once derived

from mountaintop; almost alive,

envy of all the land.

Beauty conveying such granduer

like none had ever seen afore.

Inhabitants all loving, pure,

singing hand in hand.

Turrets spiralled to the sky,

as glaciers, but twice as high.

Moments before oncoming nigh

t'would glitter with golden light.

Emblazing in the awesome halls,

reflecting from the many walls;

its luminescence never falls

'to the fading dregs of night.

Overlooking mountains, valleys,

with its many quads and galleys,

abundance of windows untallied;

stood casa magnificence.

"Crystal Fortress" Poem by EtherealAlchemy

AllPoetry.com

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