Brushstrokes

Dark symbols curve gracefully,

twist,

then dramatically ends

like a ballerina on pointe.

Carefully loading

the brush with ink,

Mr. Han transfers the brush to paper,

and, with elbow floating,

presses the brush down gently

then lifts,

revealing

The Dot.

Fluidly,

he moves the brush horizontally,

shifts ninety degrees vertically,

presses slightly before releasing

an elegant hook.

Angling upward to the right,

the brush swoops to unsheath

The sword blade.

Plunging the brush downward

to the left,

Mr. Han brandishes

The inverse sword blade.

Again he cuts,

baring

The Dragon Claw.

The last stroke imperceptibly thickens,

slows to a pause

and the brush is carefully lifted,

bristles releasing

The Spatula.

Yung.

Lasting.

Eternity.

Forever.

A Chinese calligraphy warm-up exercise.

Practiced well, you learn control.

Control of your brush.

Your frustration.

Acquire focus.

I’m no good at this.

Mr. Han disagrees.

Practice!