Ode To Shinto Poem by Cynthia Yildirim

I
Through the golden torii we go
On the way to the gods
To practice this old ancient religion
Mountains, rivers, rocks, and basins
Trees and all other nature
You call these basic forces Kami
II
High moral standards ye own
Rituals ever still ye do
Many are your numbers
Gathered by the gardens to pray
Offering gifts and cakes their way
III
The Mastsuri rarely performed
If you have committed sin
Then be sure to join in
The Great Purification Ceremony
And be cleansed of all
IV
Oh ye sun goddess related
To past empires once had
Now only myths survive
When once ye were glad
V
The New Religions are here
To spread the lost beliefs
To humble ears
And give to those who have not
As a group of helpers
Shinto takes a step up
Guiding those who have lost their luck
VI
Pray ye in your garden friend
That Buddha will descend
To gather all ye gentlemen
Of virtue