The Way of the Dragon by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing
Published: 2010-02-04T23:00:00+00:00

‘I still don’t understand how you can’t be even a little upset that you lost,’ continued Jack, later that evening in Yori’s bedroom at the Shishi-no-ma. ‘If that was me, I’d be really disappointed.’

‘But I’m not you,’ replied Yori, setting up the little singing bowl for his nightly kiaijutsu practice. ‘If I was comparing my achievements with Takuan, then I would be a loser. But I was comparing them with my own ambition to be the best poet I can be. Therefore, I am a winner.’

Jack couldn’t argue with his friend’s wisdom, so he sat down in a corner of the room and picked through the various scraps of paper that bore the efforts of his own poetry. Having heard the other haiku during the competition, Jack felt none of his were in any way good enough to present to Akiko.

‘They’re terrible,’ he moaned. ‘Takuan’s are so much better. Perhaps I should just get him to write one for me.’

‘Stop comparing yourself to Takuan,’ admonished Yori as he began his kiai breathing exercises. ‘Akiko will appreciate your haiku more, simply because of the effort you’ve put in.’

‘Do you think so?’

Yori nodded and shouted at the singing bowl. The squeak that came out left the bowl unmoved. He grimaced in frustration and tried again.

Settling down, Jack redoubled his efforts to write a decent haiku. Once again, Yori’s insight had helped him to see things clearly. He would write a poem that meant something for him – and would mean something to Akiko. She had given him a black pearl. He saw this haiku as his personal gift to her.

‘Have you heard the announcement?’ said Saburo, bursting into the room.

Jack and Yori shook their heads.

‘Akiko, Emi and Takuan have been selected as the riders to represent our school at the forthcoming Yabusame competition.’

‘Great,’ mumbled Jack to himself, putting down his writing brush. ‘Takuan will be spending even more time with Akiko.’

‘I don’t know what you’re complaining about,’ retorted Saburo, suddenly defensive. ‘You spend most of your time training with my brother!’

‘What do you mean by that?’

‘You should hear yourself at breakfast. Taro this. Taro that. I’m sick to death of hearing about how great he is!’

‘Sorry,’ said Jack, shocked by his friend’s sudden outburst. ‘I didn’t know you were… jealous.’

Saburo gave a tired shake of the head. ‘My apologies, Jack. It’s what I have to put up with from my parents. Taro’s done this and he’s achieved that. When are you going to do something worthy of a samurai, Saburo? I’m tired of having to measure up to my brother all the time.’

‘You shouldn’t worry about that. You need to stop comparing yourself to your brother and have your own ambitions,’ said Jack. He spotted Yori silently laughing at hearing his own advice being repeated. ‘Taro may be skilful with two swords but, if I’m honest, he can be a bit dull. It’s all he ever goes on about. He’s not funny like you.’

‘Thanks’ said Saburo, the smile returning to his face as he picked up a discarded haiku.

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