Broken Oath
The wind blows gently,
Branches, heavy with white cherry blossoms,
Sway releasing a cascade of white snow
The moon out, silent witness to broken oath
A glitter of steel, a flash of light
Two masters caught in a deadly dance
One who swore never to take life again
Another foresaw the death of his foe
Both move in the rhythm of the other
A bolt of lightning , the strike of a snake
Point struck, puncturing lifeline
Blood stains the ground crimson
The earth hungrily soaks it all
A whisper of final curse
Brief like the flutter of a struggling bird
The wind stirs sweeping away the dying breath
Carrying away the soul of the restless
To a place unknown, where slain warriors
Live again on the battle field
As the master weeps for a broken oath
a cloud covers the moon
cloaking the land in darkness