the torii at Nikko

The donkey brays one o'clock and its ears twitch twice to indicate that the batteries are running low. I'm not in a hurry. Indeed, what with the intense tropical heat and the metronomic clip-clopping of the rusty iron hooves, I have grown rather sleepy. Unfurling the solar-cell umbrella, I point it towards the sun and lie in its shade. Siesta time. Good thing it's not the rainy season - motor-donkeys are a right pain in the ass when it's wet.


Copyright © 2000 Francis James Franklin