just for fun

SHAKUHACHI*
(by Jim Mitsui**)

When his son-in law
asked for lessons,
he nodded.
Slipped the bamboo
out of its silk case.
Played one note.
Played it till it hung
clear as the moon.
Handed over the instrument.
Said, "Practice this note.
Come back in a year
for the second."

*as published in Bruchac, J. ed. Breaking Silence, an Anthology of Contemporary Asian American Poets. New York: Greenfield Review Press, 1983.

**scroll down this web page for the author's bio

Shared WITHOUT the author's permission, but..... adequately cited.