He had understood since childhood honor
of dying for family and country,
how at Yasakuni Shrine, Emperor
Hirohito would speak his name, sentries
bow heads in respect. Stiff as tatami
bedpost, by his Mitsubishi Sonia,
he grasps the flag from Commander Tamai
who lisps of the Shinto way. Begonia
and death poem in flight jacket, he sees
Ai’s face. Will she visit temple next year,
remember his Yakudoshi? Believes
she will. He sips sake. Vows not to fear.
In the cockpit, he hears Tamai’s last wise
words: Before impact, never close your eyes.
Roger Armbrust
September 28, 2008
