Antelope

It was the autumn of my fifth year when I encountered the antelope
In the hot springs spa deep in the Hodaka mountain range
The antelope silently drew near
Through the steam it looked at my naked body
I too stared at the antelope

Separated from the herd an antelope
Me completely on my own
I scooped up hot water from the spa in the palm of my hand
And threw it at the antelope
It was a greeting in lieu of language but
The antelope seemed a little startled
When I saw the furry chest of the antelope wet with hot water
I felt as if the solitude of the antelope had moistened

The wind swept across
The leaves on the trees shook
Finally the antelope silently turned around
Silently sprang up and returned to the mountains

To the spa in my dreams
In the dead of night gently I put my toes into the hot water
Through the steam opposite I can hear faint steps
That antelope
Returns each time

Not looking at anything with its cosmic vast eyes
Drops of water from its furry chest
Dripping drip drip

ANTELOPE