A fictional parable by Peter Pickering.
Sensei once said:
“If the spirit of the subject has turned its back to you…
perhaps the spirit did not wish to be caught.”
Grasshopper
But Sensei, sometimes they walk away!
Sensei
Then let them go, child.
Do not chase. Do not cling.
You are not a seagull stalking chips.
A photo of a stranger’s back may tell us nothing.
No eyes. No expression.
Unless you have seen something more, only mystery without reward.
Unless…
Ah yes—unless the body language screams.
A lone figure, bowed in grief, silhouetted at dusk…
That, Grasshopper, is poetry.
But three tourists with backpacks and bums headed toward the souvenir shop?
That may be no more than a record of passing backpacks.
So remember:
If you must show the back,
make sure the soul is still facing you.
