Kenren opens the door on Tenpou

The General’s foot hovers,
its travel suspended awkwardly,
for it is impossible to tread.

Advance denied, he stands mid-step,
staring down with a mask of perplexity.

Such a shocking spill of books!

Pages spread in outrage,
disordered by the physics of a fall

And – beneath – a man!

Dark hair and spectacles shine

And – beneath – the black gleam of intelligence,
liquid with thought,
and solid in the unshakeable knowledge
of how to win.

The buried one’s eyes reclaim their focus,
and hands paddle to move aside the bedding of volumes
under which he lies, comfortable and familiar:
visitors must be embraced.