Creative Writing: Oahu's Byodo In Temple

I gathered my satchel, umbrella and notepad to start my exploration of Oahu's Byodo-In Temple. I shoved a crumpled green wad of paper at a man sitting in a small booth near the entrance. He took my money and gave me a half-smile. I found my way to the bridge that crossed a small creek of muddy, water that was swelling from the many days of rain we had in the past few days. While partially crossing the bridge, I stopped mid-stroll in amazement of the grand structure that was beore me. All of the trees nearby seemed to curl around the great building, their branches full of lush leaves swaying in the mild breeze. Three giant mountains rose up behind the structure, intimidating those of us below. Hanging low just above the mountains in a sooty …show more content…
They were conducting an orchestra so soft that only dogs could hear. This piece was the soft and light. A light breeze rustled through the trees as I ventured to a large concrete statue. He or she was slender and covered in ornaments. Their body stance was jovial, chest out and arms twisted. The face was simple with an underlying smirk or secret happiness. Necklaces made of beads, flowers and shells hung around the statue. It seemed to be a memorial, but not in a typical sense of death and sadness. From my knowledge the statue was of Buddha. Long earlobes, pointy headdress, calm smile all gave him away. The pole was short and read "May peace prevail on earth." This structure was delightful, nothing spooky about it. I walked around him or her and found myself in a sinking pile of slippery mud. My once gleaming white keds were now covered in a layer of …show more content…
Pink hibiscus blossoms hugged the perimeter of the pond like a victorian frame. They were delicate and newly bloomed from the dewy air. Glistening light covered the surface, seeming to magnify the beauty in the murky water. I met my swan friends once more and watched them follow eachother around the body of water. I had never imagined black swans to be so full of grace, white swans had been the idealogical symbol of grace and purity in my mind. Seeing these creatures, I had a change of heart. As I wandered past them, I cam upon a magnificent bell. I had heard the bell from a distance once earlier, now knowing where it had come from. The entrance to the temple grounds was ahead of me, the bridge a landmark just ahead. I rang the bell as my salutation to the temple and stepped upon the bridge one more