From the classical Japanese tradition renga
or renku

This modern version, renshi

Whether followed by the kanji for song (ga),
verse (ku),
or poetry (shi),
Expression is always preceded by the ren.

To link,
connect,
join,
group.

While specifically pertaining to the thing produced,
it also pertains to the process.

For it is not only the linking of verses
but the connecting of poets,
that is important.

The solitary poet of the West
Contrasts the community of poets of renshi.

We are writing together,
waiting together,
watching together.

We hope you are too.

We hope.

We can only hope.

That one day

we’ll be gazing

in awe

at the same sunrise.

That we’ll hear the same

“first bird”

heralding the big dawn.

That we’ll hear the first rain drops

of an early morning shower

on the tin roof.

And the dawn and the first bird

and the rain drops

will inspire us,

we poets, we weavers

of big dreams and tightly woven myths.