Obon

A blur of color circling the wooden tower,
Dancers dressed in brightly colored kimonos,
Obon keeps Okinawa close to their hearts.

Drums so loud, feel the vibrations,
Bright lights around the circle
Keeping the blackness of night away.

Obon a celebration for loved ones,
Loved ones who have passed on,
Wishing them well in the afterlife.

Young and old dance the night away,
The smells of favorite foods in the air
Andagi, teri beef sticks, and mochi.

Great Grandfather journeyed to Hawaii
Hard work in the cane fields,
Obon keeps Okinawa close to his heart.

Hard work for little pay
A new language to learn,
Obon, the celebration of a new life.

by Mikayla Gaspar
4th grade, Kamiloiki School