katas

I
beginning seems simple

a rustle of wings,
hint of breeze,
glance at the horizon --

then leap toward open sky

II
no matter who you are sparring
the enemy is always yourself

body opposes mind
a hand hesitates
the foot is fearful

at best, thought and action reflect --
like mirrors facing each other

III
winds lash tree limbs
with full force
branches bend and sway --
as they are meant to  --
without  breaking

is the wind stronger?
the tree more agile? 

real strength is tempered by humility
mastery is empty without respect

IV
failure is no more than 

a bad dream

running nowhere

screaming silence

forgetting your pants

a scary clown

fear is a phantom

of our own designs

take charge of your dream
wake up

V
yesterday, the destination was just on the horizon

a single step was too little to start

halfway seemed impossible

I stumbled
confused by the wind
unaware of the moon

then the river spoke, mountains
advised patience, time taught flight

sweat extinguished fear
bruises built confidence
pain grew into wings

today, the end is nowhere in sight