An Ancient Depth

I had an interesting experience the other day. I was walking down an old market street in Kyoto, or rather a market street that has been there for some time, and noticed a small shrine off to the side. I figured I go inside and see what it was like, since they always have nice gardens. I ended up spending a half hour in there. This is how I felt.

An Ancient Depth

Ancient gods of foreign land still my troubled heart,

and bring to me a peace, it seems, that's lacking on my part.

I find it hard to usher in gods that don't exist,

and yet I find that as I stare, they in my heart subsist.

"How can this be?" I think aloud, the flutt'ring leaves aplenty.

Of gods I know there be but one, yet here there are so many.

But, in my heart, the same voice says, "Respect this holy Place;

for in it lies a secret, still, that soon shall match your pace."

What is this peace, this calm, this light, that brushes o'er my heart?

Is it the lies of modern men, or some devil's wicked art?

It cannot be that such is true, for truth, I know, sinks deep;

and here I find some truth of old awak'ning from its sleep.

I sit and gaze upon the scene; the moment ne'er does pass.

Eternal truth still lingers here, for truth will always last.