My local father
she called me
hiding her feelings
That was a gift
since I would
not have known
How to respond
to this young
married woman
Mother of
a beautiful
young son

We traded classical
guitar for
Japanese
Translated one
another's
poetry
I learned only
a little of
her childhood
and how the man
she'd married
brought her here
We made a chapbook
with her art
my photos
Memories
of Kyoto
nineteen sixty-nine
The year that turned
my life around and
freed me
To leave
the academic
pantomime

We did a reading
of our poems
when my mother
Was visiting
something special
for her and me
A moment that's
still vivid
and still treasured
As I still treasure
this dear
and special friend
Friend of
many years now
many lifetimes
Unless I am
mistaken
so I write
To wish her
every blessing
every happiness
That's possible
in this
conflicted time

Dressed up
in her kimono
she's the soul
Of lovliness
of modest grace
and light
I thank the gods
who brought us two
together
Such friends
are few in any
one man's life