It's been quite cold, and windy and grim. I haven't been out
Of the house at all. Instead, I've been shivering down in my
Basement, looking at web sites and guidebooks to see where
To go next week, when we're in Japan. There are shrines
To tour, and castles, and picturesque parks. There are
Options for getting around. There things we should eat,
I suppose. I don't know, and, of course, we will wander
Through shops selling trinkets which we'll buy, then bury
Somewhere at home, and after two weeks, and thousands
Of dollars, we'll fly back with quickly diminishing memories.
Maybe my neighbor's retaining wall will lead me to recall
Some castle we saw. That would be nice, but, mostly, I'm
Hoping the weather will have warmed by then.