Some Things Don’t Need Recollection
An old man takes his time to wrap around
His sag of flesh the armor. This care’s not
Because he fears the fight or battle ground.
It’s just because his joints are are stiff and fraught
With aches. One younger time he met his strength
Of purpose with his friends as they prepared
Their muscles for the struggle, hoping length
Of arrow aim would leave them each unsnared.
Much later he will put his brocade coat
For banquets on inside kyuuden.*
He barely can remember that one throat
He had to lance protecting much loved men.
The feasting and the drinks of saki fail
To help him rub out deaths of comrades, pale.
~ Phillip Whidden
* 宮殿 (kyuuden)
palace