Kanreki
The fine mist spray was artificial
But who cared
Both the white crane and the red turtle
Seemed unconcerned
But did they notice
They knew for sure that sun burned
And it would not do
If the bath filled with lobsters
Got too warm
Moments later
Both the white crane and the red turtle
Became invisible mid mountains of
Corresponding coloured balloons
Each released to celebrate someone’s saisei
Then as the sacred rice paddle giri passed
From one kenshi to another
A crisp sakebu sounded
And the white crane and the red turtle
Each wept happy tears and feasted on Kasane mochi
The lobsters would have to wait another day