by Bobbie Loeschner Artist: Yamamoto-ya Heikichi Deafening silenceFlickering of candle lightThe bandits outside The past reaches himHowling screams on midnight’s breezeThe swordsman stands by Clamor at the gateThe shadows, gliding, burst throughBlades drawn like fanged wolves The lone warriorSprings his arm from its sheath, then—Steel cacophony Crashing death—gift toAn Ukiyo-e YokaiAll is harmony Morning light…