I always loved visiting Japan,
the Temples of Senso-ji, Todai-ji
others so small their names faded
as I walked away from them,
for while I was gaijin, my zen
made them feel less alien.
I enjoyed visits to Hawaii,
the lushness of the landscape,
the old whaling town, now
reduced to ash and ruin,
the lava desert of the big island,
the volcanoes, live and dormant.
Everyone knows that both Japan
and Hawaii are islands and you might
think that is why, in some small measure
I like them, but I note to you
that Manhattan is an island as well,
and I am more than glad not
to have to visit there any longer.