I shut the door
from condolences
and keep the night
between us
Intimate air is
what I long to share
with you
at your last stop
to paradise
You are all washed
and cleaned
I slip on
your favourite kimono
the one embroidered
with superb starlings
and stain my lips
in cherry red
It is so peaceful
and quiet
I hear every crackle
of the fire
and the candle cries
all my tears
to give you light
My last love note
to you
is written in Shuji
on royal blue Ryoshi
and is sealed
with a cherry kiss
My love
I send you
ahead of me
on your way
to our sweet home
This transient place
this moment
we share tonight
will be surrendered
to God in the morning
My name will be erased
from your heart
and yours will be hung
with the blue silk tie
around my neck
Writer’s notes: This piece of writing is inspired by a ghost story I read in a Japanese literature, source unknown.