Simple Souvenirs

(Leaf 76) – Reflection

 

This was another poem written around the time of my visit to Nara’s Tōdai-ji in January 2004 (see, Leaf 75). I’ve written about simple souvenirs before, because they really are my most favourite way to remember a particular time and place which left a lasting mark in one’s heart. For example, a simple pine cone can become a long treasured memento from a day out with a friend, visiting a special place together (see, Leaf 20). One of my favourite sorts of souvenirs which you can collect in Japan are the souvenir stamps found at railway stations, museums, temples and shrines. They are a great way of illustrating travel jottings and wandering haiku (see, Leaf 73).

 

 

Simple souvenirs

– a red maple leaf,

or a temple hanko

in my notebook.

 

 

Photographs by Tim Chamberlain