Rising Early On Double Nine Day Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

The fragrance of fresh-baked cakes fills our house
and our hearts ascend with their vapors to Heaven.
The sanshin sounds in the village streets as we gather
to hang pink and white blossoms of the dogberry
on temple and domicile, dwelling places of gods and men.
We offer sacrifices to prolong prosperity in Yomitan.

As the sun wanes, we climb Mount Miyako to launch
kites that carry aloft desires that we share in common
for prosperity in our village that overlooks the waters
of Yaebishi Bay. We drink cups of chrysantheum wine
and dine on savory double-nine cakes in celebration.
Night falls as we wend our way back to Yomitan.

by Mao Jian Sheng- Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan