Hidden Leaves

Lie down, be still
Oh wandering samurai
Your enemies are asleep tonight
Out of place and out of time
Under this modern western sky
Drinking twilight like it’s wine
Your material self has died
But from ancient books you’ve known
What the films have never shown
You can’t survive on vengeance alone
Without a name, without a home
Outside any doctrine, beyond any system
Removed from any context but your own
Lie down, be still
Oh lonesome samurai
Your enemies are only illusions
Tonight
It’s strange from your countryside, your clan and your lord
But someday you’ll know both ends of the sword
You dream of that moment
Developed in the absolute
Acting upon impulse
Stepping towards oblivion
Bowing under shadows
Begging to know both ends of the sword
Lie down, be till, oh cherry blossom soul
The shadows might swallow you whole