Not a creature was stirring, not even a gecko.
The swimsuits were strewn over doorknob and chair,
In hopes that no mold would start growing there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Eisa danced in their heads.
And Holly in her silk robe, and me on the blog,
Thinking pretty soon now I'll be sawing a log.
When just around midnight there arose such a clatter,
I raced to the window to see what was the matter.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear?
But a wierd looking clown, and a bunch of people dressed up playing really loud drums, and a couple of guys playing a 3-stringed electric guitar-like instrument called a sanshin.
This is the annual 3-day celebration of Obon, when the Okinawans welcome their ancestors' spirits back from the other world. This "Eisa" group marched around the neighborhood two nights in a row. They play from about 8 until 3... a.m. The kids enjoyed it. The first night we were all in bed when they came, so we got the kids up and went outside to join the festivities. The second night we went out again for a bit until it started raining. The kids were sad they didn't come around the third night, but my eyes were kind of heavy the next few days at work.
