The Island of Parting

The sea at dusk lies quietly in a yellowed light. Above the horizon, a small boat drifts far away. Near at hand, a person leaning on a staff, and a horse. Though they are within the same sea, the two stand apart. Close to each other, yet each has already become a separate island of light. It is the light of parting: the light that lets one look at what leaves, and helps what remains endure. In the end, both the person and the horse remain as their own islands of parting.

But even between islands there are waterways. Standing apart, watching the same boat. That is the last companionship of this evening.