Chapter 23-“The only thing we can do is try.”
PART IV – KUROKAWA ONSEN (HOT SPRINGS)
KYUSHU, JAPAN
Chapter 23 iNovel Link
“The only thing we can do is try.”
The Chapter 23 iNovel Link is unique in that it is the only exclusively poetry link. You may have noticed that each chapter begins with an epigram, each a quote from a Hot Springs character. If and when you go to this link, you’ll see that all these quotes have been collected and formed into a poem (with several minor changes and additions).
HOT SPRINGS
It’s all beneath the surface and it’s
Time for us to return to our natural state,
To wash the dirt from outside and in.
How’s that for a coincidence? You must have come a long way.
Maybe all people are all alike in this, at least in some ways.
I’m not sure anyone’s really got an answer to that.
Do you even know what it means? You know, I’m not sure.
But being here, the reason we’re here, it’s all been making me think.
Regardless of how tenuous our bonds
We seem to feel the need to congregate.
I hope you’ll enjoy your stay.
Cold is nothing. Warm is everything.
You have to understand that. Right now. Right away. Don’t you see?
Then and only then can we perhaps move on with our lives.
People exist so they can be found.
I thought you’d want to know.
Nothing would please me more
Heaven with hell’s central heating.
It’s our way of staying in touch with the past,
However symbolic.
I think it’s a shifting landscape.
So much has happened. I don’t know what to make of it.
The only thing we can do is try.
Click here to go to the chapter by chapter iNovel links.
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Comments
I read most of this book while I was sitting on the shore of Lake Ontario during a very troubled time in my life. The water alwys sooths me. The book helped me relax and I only wish I had of went on the web links after or during each chapter. However I did spend a rainy Ontario Weekend browsing throught the chapters again and going on the computer. I will be passing it amongst my friends so they can enjoy it too. Thanks to all the people who worked so hard putting this book together.
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I spent the weekend glued to your book. My wife and I met in Canada and later married in Japan. Steve's writing brought back memories of the magic of Japan and the immense warmth of the people there. Thanks Steve. -Norm Larsen Calgary, May, 2006
Comment by Norm Larsen on 12-Jun-2006