Wandering slowly down
from Mount Otowa
We’d gotten lost
behind Kiyomizu-dera
in quiet contemplation
of the winding lanes
like night and day
from heaving temple crowds

Rejoining civilisation
the souvenir shops
and chocolate-dipped strawberries
We make our way down
to the Kamo River
with crustless sandwiches
cans of iced coffee
and legs in need of rest

Sitting on the ancient path
surrounded by wild grass
between Gojo and Shijo
The river banks opposite
lined by low buildings
with higher ones behind
The sun gives us a break
we smile as we silently eat

Then we speak, only to agree
we feel at home here
this could be a new adventure
“Why don’t we try Kyoto living” I ask
“So far from everyone we know
just you and I, a grand adventure
this could be our home a while”
You catch my gaze and take my hand…