Hidden One is a poem about the Christians of Japan, first introduced to Jesus during the time of the Silk Road. Their history includes persecution; but, their faith has endured until today.
she seeks a quiet rustic rice field in which to graze
nibbling greening midori shoots
gingerly her hoofs
whisper between rising sun’s rays
her cry is heard up to the heavens
persecuted, beaten by brutal verbiage
her feet stomp, but her heart holds firm
the doe of the dawn
I have heard her, my doe, my love
at first call,
I rise to stand, to see her,
as does the fearless, faithful noon sun
she is caught in treachery’s trappings
her helpless heart near to shot through by archer’s piercing arrow
she has hidden herself
lying down in shady earth’s sweet grass
away from hungry evil eyes
my buck-shorn legs too—once tied
surrounded by destruction’s dogs
my stag’s side speared
limbs pierced
a thorny crown of antlers tearing away my scarred scalp
a hart given only once
panting, she, terrified, trembles, attempting to rise alone
but failing, cannot
oh, the sweet fugi apple of my eye
the one I love in tenderness
made white as Hokkaido’s wintery snows
her life, drain’s down, dripping drops
upon the stones of several generations’ footfalls
hiding herself once more
from those who would devour her whole
she sees my defensive signs descend
between her captors’ cat calls
tempting to lure her deeper into their despotic darkness
a time of waiting—safety, has commenced
in silence
in solitude
to rely upon my fighting strength
my words, my ways
eternal
my word to my doe, my bride
love of my life
shall ever stand
with me by your gentle side