Even though I was sick
I wore a red seal ribbon
and now I've come back home
to pace the purple moss
here in my thatched cottage
I've plans for my old age
I had no business at headquarters
among the gifted younger men...
the sun's rays seem to curl
around the soaring swallows
the leaves of water plants
open for the diving gulls
my neighbors send me fresh-caught fish
and now and then a turtle
and ask me very often
to come and visit them.