A SELECTION OF KALEIDOSCOPIC ARTWORKS BY MICHAEL CRITCHLEY
Dedicated to my wonderful wife Francine; a continuous source of inspiration. What would I do without her?
Buna ninfu The poetry and photography in this book are Copyright ©2015 by the authors Michael & Francine Critchley. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any mechanical or electronic means without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Photography: © Michael Critchley Poetry: © Francine Critchley
This series of leaves is part of my ever-expanding collection of kaleidoscopic images using natural organic forms, shape and material. The Kaleidoscope artistry of symmetrical patterns is created by reflection using a series of computer applications and multiple layering. The results are unpredictable. A fascinating continual changing of patterns in sequence.
Hamon – God of Leaves Hamon! Hamon! The earth is frozen, deep in slumber darkest days – no life. All about in suspended animation earths fragrance rises and through the mist, a weakened sun like a lovers’ kiss, Leaves its moist parting. And here and now a bud of life, holds promise of Hamon return and starting. Uncurl, unfurl your skinny fronds as fragile, weak, the tree bares life. Swaying, moving dapple light, Hamon God of Leaves, a joyous sight, as branches stretching, reaching, give shade and comfort day or night, mantle of life. Hamon! Hamon! Your gifts return as a golden carpet, tattered and torn, lie scattered now as those who have fallen and slumber on, On earth now frozen.
The Assemblage of Izumo It is little known, but true, what of fate and life and love. How often do we mere mortals understand, the changes and their happenings. Not at all. But deep in the heart of the circle of life, the whispering through the trees, the leaves that flutter down from above. There, within the Temple of Izumo, the Assembly of the Gods and Spirits speak. For they know all.
The God and Goddess of the Underworld ( Yomo-tsu Kami and Yomo-tsu Shiko-me ) And from the hollows of the earth and leaves they rose. The unfamiliar mantle of their human form did not feel right, night had passed. The dawn of light, pale, shimmering, golden bright, peeled back the dark, they rose. With hurried steps and hand in hand, their quest to meet, To reach Asama, sacred mountain steep and there, once more, their vows to keep, they rose. When done was done, the setting sun trailed a ribbon of scarlet, trickled and run. Wider still Yasu, celestial river did flow, once more to their underworld they did go.
The Kado Morie Guardians of the River Hi. Warriors, bravest, fearless ones, tireless in your quest to find the Orchi dragon of sea and sky. Kado Morie, your vigil demands, ageless, timeless, warrior band, great sentinels in gilded gold. You ride by the light of moon shadow, destined never to rest. Warriors, fearless, strong and bold. The thunder of the sky vibrates as hooves and armour, lightning strike. Oh guardians of the River Hi.
Dogs of Foo Shall I name you deities eight, Imperial Dogs of Shinto, Ikumusubi, Kamimusubi, Omiya, Koto-shiro. Hidden deep in shadows tall, changelings, shape shifters one and all. Miketsui, Taka-mimem-subi, Tama-tsu-mu-subi, Tara-mu-subi, dissolving, morphing, multiply. Jigami, deities eight, as once you were, Spirits mystical, sight misleading. The more we look the less we see, yet you are there Foo Deity.
The Moon Maiden Moon child, maiden divine, why do you weep? See, your tears fall as pearls and drown into pools of milky white. You sweep the sand in search of what? Banished you say and forced to stay, this is the price you have to pay. Moon child wait, I, Ha-iruku can end this pain, one wish I ask and not for gain. Dance for me now beneath the moon. The Moon child danced, Ha-iruku watched and clutched to his heart the cloak of feathers white. His wish was granted and it was right that, returning the cloak of feathers white, the Moon child was freed and return she must, flew on the wind of the moonlight dust. Ha-iruku sighed, watched her go, Celestial maiden of the moon.
Chiburi How many miles to reach the end, and should it be the final step, or bridge, or style, or country mile. Look out, be watchful, Chiburi wait, guardians of nature’s gate. And they will trick you with their smile, falsely guide you down that mile. And if that mile should seem like three, think back to your meeting with the Chiburi.
The Thirteen Bokusen Lamps And all at once their lamps they lit,
the chant of they who sit and pray, said he.
Ethereal fronds spread slowly forth and buried deep into the core and pray, said she.
From pinacle cascading down,
the chant of those around the throne.
As all as one they looked above,
and rising now on wings of love,
those souls immortal shall ever be, now at peace, forever free.
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