I ought to be clear about something
regarding this name I've taken in earnest - Korin.
It was given me to mean, "Ancient Forest."
Korin is not, as far as I know, a Japanese name,
rather, it is a dharma name
derived from two kanji characters
which could as well mean something other 
than the meaning chosen by my teacher.
How she came to honor me with this name
she will not say. I have not asked.
I like the name, its pleasing sound.
It makes me happy to hear me addressed so.
Some have said it suits me.
Why it suits is a mystery and will remain so.

The ascribed meaning is lovely.
I've been in a few ancient forests.
How, though, am I like an ancient forest?
Do I deserve such a name?
I am most decidedly old now but ancient hardly applies!
Admittedly, I find it difficult to understand.
In their great stands the truly ancient forests
are magnificent, green, soft underfoot, populated by all manner
of flora, fauna, mythical and other mystical creatures.
I will always consider the Hoh Rainforest
as chief among the ancient forests of this continent. 
The moss is thick, trees majestic,
streams clear, wildlife abundant.
It is beyond me to see myself in such august company
in their serene, green, pristine wildness.

I am of the human species
going about soft side out
needing all manner of aids to help me survive
even in a warm and well-stocked condo.
No. I do not see it, except for this:

There is something in me
that is green, clear, wild, beautiful;
something ancient born of generations 
back through immemorial time.
So do we all have an ancient forest in us -
mysterious, misty, silent, still, deeply verdantly alive. 

Might we all raise our leafy and needled branches
into the clear clean fragrant air
that steals through every living cell and fiber
of the very old and very sacred
ancient forest within us all!