Disarmament
Trust between us
relies on putting down
our weapons
resting our swords
our wakizashi
where we cannot reach them.
Surely, I have no desire
to wound you and
if you hurt me
that is no new trial
to endure
I already have
pale scars enough
and pain is not
a mystery.
Affinity is our way
into friendship
also a risk and a revolution
that starts
with allowing ourselves
to be vulnerable.
It is difficult to take off
the kusari gusoku
I have worn it
for so long
it has become a
part of me
and grown
under my skin.
Blade and Mounting for a Wakizashi. The blade was made by Soshu Fusamune. blade, late 15th–early 16th century; mounting, 18th century.
