In June, In northern Europe where I am, I enjoy the accompany of the sunlight till the late evening.
Very gentle beam of the light in the evening sky is so peaceful, intertwining with the starts to be emerged.
Meanwhile, Japan, although, in recent years, the summer tends to arrive earlier,
June is known as Tsuyu 梅雨, —the season of the plum rain, when soft showers ripen the fruit, nourish the moss of the Kyoto gardens. The quiet rhythmic raindrops, polish the stones and shine the green.
For me, the Japanese gardens are most beautiful in the shadow with drops of rains, like tears of sorrow shining our cheek.
This subtle beauty, like spotting the first star in the darkness, the darkness only let us feel its beauty
June is the beginning of summer in Japan, just before the scorching sun begins to blaze. Perhaps it is nature’s quiet wisdom, preparing the soil, the trees, and the plants with moisture to withstand the dry days ahead. Ensuring they are not parched under the intensity of the sun’s spotlight.
I love summer. I love the light. But I always need the shadow, the darkness, to rest and nourish my soul.
Before stepping into the light, I rest in tranquil, like the moss in a Kyoto garden.
We can appreciate light because we know shadow.
Without shadow, light cannot exist.
The secret of bliss lies in seeing the beauty in times of shadow, in times of darkness.
Then, when the strong light comes, it won’t burn us out. It will illuminate us.
We become the very light and we illuminate the world.
My Haiku for June
夏至の夜 ge-shi no yo-ru
輝く空に ka-ga-ya-ku so-ra ni
静けさも shi-zu-ke-sa mo
Summer Solstice, at night
In the shining sky,
Stillness, there is
Azumi
(c) 2025 Azumi Uchitani
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