GRATITUDE   July 13, 1946      Dear General MacArthur,      With your permission   I offer wishes of good health,   During this heat   That burns anything.      The words I slowly put together   Do not flow easily, they only fill my heart      Recently, fulfilling   Your heart’s desire   You removed the whaling   Moratorium.   Your gesture brings   A much needed food   To our community   And families,      The words I slowly put together   Do not flow easily, they only fill my heart      A million year old fossil   I send to you.   This comes from my family   And the ancient sea.   A prehistoric impression   Of the modern krill,   She feeds the noble whale,   And offers you longevity      The words I slowly put together   Do not flow easily, they only fill my heart      Finally, please take good care in the heat.      Sincerely yours,   Shizuka