Dedicated to Mari Hirako,
A graduate of Shirayuri, and a professional Nihonga artist.

(From a painting by Mari entitled The Horseback Archery)

The moment of horseback archery.

Straight ahead the horse runs;
His rider,the conductor.
Forelegs and hind legs:
These four move on
Like instruments
In the prelude of a concert.
Leaping forward,
Stamping powefully,
Rising up, 　　　　　　　　　　
Kicking the ground,
They pergform, weaving eih delicacy.

They support and balance the huge
Muscular body, while gallopinig down the path.
Now, the horse lets the rider feel the very
Moment of harmony... oneness in four:
Rider and horse, target and pounging arrow...
The exultation of music resounds.

Tomiko Hirata, SPC.
Shirayuri College, Green Hill. 4-6-2003