28Nov09: Morgan Elander

An Assortment of Limericks Regarding My Henro Experience

 Between Yashima and Yakuriji

by Morgan Elander

I think I shall always remember

My time henro-ing in December,

     I did not tire

     Nor hardly perspire,

But I felt bad for those elder member.

This thousand year old pilgriming mission

Bears unique testimony to a cultural tradition,

     And in this way might

     Be a world heritage site,

I hope this one day comes to fruition.

Gotta say Yashima left me awe-struck,

From the top Kawarake we did chuck,

     And what did we see

     But ladies with glee

Rubbing tanuki balls for good luck.

From Yashima we descended en masse

A steep staircase with mud and slick grass,

     I once almost slipped

     And then almost tripped,

But managed not to fall on my...behind.

At Yakuriji we had such a big climb,

At the top stood a temple so sublime,

     Saw some Tengu so hairy,

     Even though they were scary,

I wanted to spend a little more time.

That time on the mountain, it changed me,

All of these holy temples, you should see,
     But it's a long walk,

     So if you like to talk,

I'll happily go along with thee.