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