Fear

By James SawersFox Valley Aikikai

My fear was so powerful
It was afraid of itself
Fear is the mind killer –
But only if allowed to take root

Sitting in seiza, breathing deeply
Doing four-count breathing
Letting the fear wash all over me

And pass on through me
Slowly the fear diminished
Disappearing, with everything else
Till I sat calm, still, ready…

The call when it came – hajime!
Found me centered and prepared
Mind clear, I faced myself