Orihime And Hikoboshi: The Magpie Bridge

At heaven's loom, where dawn unwinds, the silver threads align
Orihime's hands keep time with light, each pass a measured line
She weaves for kings and cloaks the night, the mantle fine and true
A craft that binds the sky to form, in every shifting hue

Beyond the shining river's sweep, the quiet cattle graze
Hikoboshi counts the passing hours in drifting silver haze
He knows the paths that circle night, the trails that never fade
A shepherd sworn to hold the dark in even ranks arrayed

Call across the flowing light—no road, no keel, no oar
Yet hearts advance with steady steps and will that asks for more
Grant one night when work is done; let parted footsteps meet
A bridge will rise from gathered wings, where sky and longing meet

From craft to kiss, they slipped from vows; the threads fell slack and bare
The looms grew mute, the cattle strayed, neglect hung in the air
The thundered law raised up the stream, a warning wide and bright
A band of light became a wall that split their single light

Call across the flowing light—no road, no keel, no oar
Yet hearts advance with steady steps and will that asks for more
Earn the right with steady hands; let seventh night be clear
Where no man's bridge can span the flow, let wings draw crossing near

The seventh moon, the bamboo bends, with wishes on the breeze
We tie our hopes on tanzaku, like leaves on patient trees
She lifts her eyes, he stands his ground, their tasks once more aligned
The hour comes, the current holds, the sentence redefined

Flock after flock, the magpies rise, their wings a living chain
They arc from bank to gleaming bank and stitch a steadfast lane
A thousand backs make sacred span, compassion holding fast
Where single strength would fail the leap, the many's mercy lasts

Call across the flowing light—no road, no keel, no oar
But wing on wing the river bows; step sure upon its roar
For one brief hour the world grows small; let parted pulses meet
On Magpie Bridge they walk as one, with measured, faithful feet

One token traded, breath to breath, the promise sealed and plain
Then back to craft and daily oath, to earn this path again
They part to keep what brings them back, the covenant they chose
To meet where feathered arches rise when seventh evening glows

Call across the flowing light—no road, no keel, no oar
With work restored and wings aligned, the distance learns to shore
Write the wish and keep the vow; let steady days align
On Magpie Bridge they walk as one—through night, through year, through time