Bow In – A Poem by Jo Anna Shaw

“When you bow deeply to the Universe, It bows back.” — O’Sensei, Morehei Ueshiba

bow in

the practice mat invites
the aikidoka to be
a humble student

to enter
empty

as a soft glow signals the birth
of a new day
and way

as shadows merge
with the void
of night

to respectfully
bow in

inviting a powerful, peaceful, playful wind
to turn, bend and shape
what enters

so breath
and movement
merge

on the mat — and beyond

Jo Anna Shaw
December 2017
www.joannashaw.net