I visited the Shinto shrine
of your beloved wife
I’d heard that she was lovely,
though I knew her not in life

I brought with me a paper bag
of large needles and yarn
A knitting project she’d begun
before her time was done

“I don’t know what I’m doing here,
I’m not quite sure what’s proper
I don’t have any prayers to pray
or any food to offer

I just wanted to let you know
That I finished your sweater
I found it in the closet
all the way back in September

For months, I taught myself to knit
And while this isn’t perfect,
I thought that you be pleased to know
your project has been finished“

I took my leave and went to work
And when the day was through
I came home and to my surprise
There was a note from you

Your handwriting impeccable
The six words hitting home
The sweater folded neatly there

“She’d love it to be worn.”