he lowers his gaze,
not out of regret,
but to look more clearly
at what lies within.

the brush rests,
pages remain open,
and the lantern’s light
waits without urging.

outside, the world continues,
but here,
time folds inward,
becoming quiet.

“省” speaks of reflection —
not loss,
but the courage
to examine oneself.

watercolor softens the silence,
reminding us that insight
grows gently,
not by force.

perhaps to move forward
we must first pause,
and allow ourselves
to see honestly.