by Faith P. Nelson •  November 12, 2026

First published in Water Therapy October 2020.

Emperor Chottoko Masao had been the beloved ruler of Shigunra until he announced his goal to be the best. Many abandoned their families to execute his plan. Then a plague levelled the prosperous kingdom. Half the population became insane. Feverish citizens packed the sidewalks while enemies hovered. Soon, the emperor also got the plague. In bed he wept, “I have lost myself.” Tinctures were useless. He kept his depression a secret for months then he sent for the Sage of Xaymaca: “Hurry!” The sage bowed: “Your Highness, your name Chottoko means a little peace.” The emperor sobbed: “I can’t do anything!” The sage said: “Who you are is more than what you do. Become the pendulum. The zero point is home.” He opened a scroll. “This is haiku. Focus on one twice per day.” The emperor read a haiku. His heart audibly sighed. “See!” The sage danced. “One day contemplation will be effortless.” The emperor got to work. His depression faded. Next, he practiced stillness by the gingko lake. At first people hissed: “Hogwash!” But a few families tried it and shared it with their runaways. It spread like weeds and Chottoko and the nation recovered. Thus began the first haiku apothecary.