Yes, that is my fondest memory of him—
Celebrating his 80th year
By dancing on the Great Wall of China
during a World Congress of Poets.
Standing next to me in muscular, godlike youth
stood a student from his university.
“I never saw this side of him in class!”
he murmured, awestruck, as he watched
his mentor caper, twirling a kerchief, grinning
in proud, octogenarian nimbleness.
Nearly 90, in Osaka, not so far from his home
on the small island of Amani, Japan,
he danced again, this time with a troupe
with drums, costumes, and younger performers.
Still with students as their mentor,
he compiles anthologies of their poetry.
His poems continue to inspire
in publications around the globe.
His philosophy of love, acceptance, responsibility
quietly inspires all who read his verses.
Now, past 90, no longer able to travel far,
I am sure that if you visit him at home,
he would proudly perform his Amami dance
then sit with you and read poetry—
humbly not his own, but he would read yours.
