I was already getting lazy traveling for hours just to be in famous autumn spots here in Japan. But since I considered autumn as my creative muse, I searched "autumn in Tokyo" and found one - the Koishikawa Korakuen Garden.
The garden is only a 2-minute ride by train (15-20 minute walk) from our office. I haven't heard of this place and I have been working with the same company for seven years.
I checked about Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and learned that the garden is more popular during spring. Despite of this information, I and my friend still went to the park and autumn was indeed there to welcome everyone. Never mind the 300 yen (3 USD) entrance fee, you will get more than what you paid for. There are ponds, rice paddies, Japanese houses and bridges and etc.
I discovered that not all are interested with the red maple leaves. Some of the photographers were busy taking duck and bird photos. The scene left me puzzled. Until I decided to shoot one.
After that duck distraction, I went back in shooting autumn leaves. I know that these kind of shots are cliches but I can't help it. I must embrace autumn while she is still in front of my eyes.
Aki
she dons a red kimono
with a splash of orange and yellow.
the branches dance
to the clacks of her geta.
the wave of her hand-fan
cools the air
while the tears wet
her lips humming
her lips humming
Jugatsu sayonara
she is afraid
to wear
that white kimono
/totomai
----------------------------
Aki - Japanese term for autumn
Geta - traditional Japanese wooden sandal
Jugatsu - October
I have been mentioning in many of my blog posts that autumn is my favorite season. It has poetry written all over it. While others sing to wake them up when September ends, I prefer waking up when October ends. Just in time to see the leaves change its color from green to yellow to orange to red.
Autumn can't escape from me but the feeling is mutual. I will shoot her until its last leaf falls from the branch.
/totomai
2014/12/14
Your pictures and your piece (Aki) are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteZQ
Thanks RK. :-)
Deletenature is full of surprises!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIndeed VS !
DeleteWhat a stunning place to capture autumn in all her beauty...especially because of the Japanese maples which are gorgeous in fall. And your photos are anything but cliches especially the last one with the reflective drops...as priceless as your autumn poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Donna. I will visit the place again next year and hope to see something new.
Deleteluv today's poem and photos, here and at Poetry Pantry; have a beautiful Sunday
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Have a nice week ahead Gillena! Thanks!
DeleteMai! that is my fave garden in tokyo! Much more than the expansive shinjuku. It's pretty during spring but just like you, i prefer when it's clothed with warm colors of autumn.
ReplyDeleteMaha - i just knew this place few weeks ago haha. No one told me about it. Boo! haha!
DeleteI love your beautiful personifcation of autumn...very Japanese and delicate !
ReplyDeleteShe is! Thanks Rall
DeleteSuch a wonderful path you took us.. And the story in your poem fits perfectly for the autumn... Isn't also a white kimono for funerals?
ReplyDeleteCorrect Bjorn, white kimonos are worn during funerals too.
DeleteI wondered the same as Björn and thought that the kimono was a great metaphor for the seasons. Your photos are breathtaking, totomai. I honestly think you should have an exhibition and publish a book. I have rarely seen such beauty.
ReplyDeleteI am humbled by words, Gabriella. I attempted to make a photo book but I end up frustrated. Sherry informed me some sites in making photo books. Thanks again.
DeleteI really enjoyed your poem, Totomai. Very subtle description of autumn (being afraid to don the white kimono of winter). You are a true artist with words and with photography. I would pay 3 USD to visit that park any day. Smiles. My favorite photo here was the man walking with the white umbrella; and the second favorite was the one of the photographer photographing the almost leafless tree. And...the way you work with reflections is stunning!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I personally liked that photo of the salaryman too. It reminded of myself lol. What I like about Japan is the availability of parks and gardens :)
DeleteAutumn is my favorite season too ~ I love your pictures and the colors of red and orange are just dazzling ~ Your poetic voice with a touch of Japanese is lyrical too ~
ReplyDeleteWe share the same native land but I am here now in Canada for the last 9 years ~ Have a good weekend ~
Hi Kabayan :) Maraming Salamat. I guess I'll never get tired of autumn 😆
DeleteSuch a spectacular feast of visual delights, Totomai. How lucky you are to have such a beautiful spot near your place of work. You have captured the beauty so well and your poem is lovely. I really love the metaphor of autumn in her red kimono, afraid to don the white gown of winter.
ReplyDeleteJust like autumn, I am afraid of the coming winter too. Thanks so much Sherry :)
DeleteExcellent pictues and a lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tatius :)
DeleteI'd really enjoyed the garden as you did, and the fall, October - also my fav. time.... Love the photos and the poem, esp. this magical phrase ' the branches dance
ReplyDeleteto the clacks of her geta. '
I love everything Japanese :) thank humbird
DeleteWe always get a double treat from you with both the poem and the beautiful photographs as Autumn bids you her farewell.
ReplyDeleteI'll miss her once again. Always my please Robin :-)
DeleteLovely poem, fear of marriage (correct?) is common in the US. If I'm wrong its not a big deal but would love to know if I am.
ReplyDeleteI liked your interpretation, it fits the poem. I wrote the poem with autumn going to winter in mind :-)
DeleteYour photography is breathtakingly beautiful… such a change, relinquishing autumn hues for the pale white of winter.
ReplyDeletemaybe white can be beautiful too. Thanks Laura!
DeleteSuch a beautiful place.. photos and words :)
ReplyDeleteThanks locomente
Delete