in Japan, I lived just a block from Rikugien Garden,
a 500 year old, Edo era relic of the old Japan. old
Japanese, especially, would come to visit. there was
an air of reverence about their visits. one day after
work, I was very down. I was heartbroken and alone.
I went to Rikugien from the train station instead of
going back to my apartment. a sign said it was closed,
but the gates were ajar, and I went in. there was no
one else there. it was misty over the lake in the
middle of the gardens. suddenly I saw a white crane
sitting on a rock in the water. it lifted just as I
saw it and flew right over my head. I could almost
have touched it. so beautiful.