IN THE DRAGON’S MOUTH
that last point of which
was maybe a mistake
since now that I’m helping
with the beginner class
when Shunta shows up
at the dojo a few weeks later
in his brand new
stiff white gi
word having gotten
to family court
what I said about aikido
I have to teach him
Yamada-sensei knows
exactly who Shunta is
in relation to me
but he keeps saying
whenever Shunta’s not certain
about how to tie his belt
or the posture for the ki breathing
or how to tuck for the back rolls
or how to position his thumb for a hold
to watch or listen
to Pākā-kun
which is me
Parker
as in Jason Parker
not my first name
but my last name
for respect
at the end of his first class
Shunta’s there in the entryway
listening to the teacher
as I step out of the changing room
I hear Yamada-sensei tell Shunta—
Mori-kun he calls him
using his last name
that if he trains well
he might get his green belt
in a few months
I can see Shunta’s embarrassed
like I was
back when I was white belt
it seems like forever
until the first test
and the green belt
I hang back in a corner
fiddle with stuff in my bag
wait till Shunta’s gone
to leave the dojo
but when I step outside
Shunta’s still there
where the bikes are parked
talking with another kid
yellow belt
someone he knows
I almost turn around
and go back inside
to hide
but maybe because
I’ve just come from
the calm of the dojo
or maybe because I know
Yamada-sensei’s right inside
I find myself
going over to my bike
which is right by Shunta’s
unlocking my bike
while he’s straddling his
with the lightning bolts
and darting flames
then saying
smoothly
you know
you should start a business
custom painting bicycles
and I’m surprised
by my words
and Shunta’s surprised
by my words
and I think
for a moment
he’s going to
throw a punch
like
maybe he’s thinking
what would you know
about anything?
but instead
he shakes his head
and holds up a hand
the way you’re supposed to
when you’re complimented
denying it
ducking a bit
implying you’re no good
but I know
he knows
he’s good
I get on my bike
and maybe because
Yamada-sensei comes out
to stand on the steps
and says I’m doing well
teaching the beginners
and once my rib is
fully healed I can
take the test
for my blue belt
or maybe because
as I start to ride off
a fish jumps three times
then twice more
slapping the water
leaving a trail of rings
or maybe just because
my little sister
saved my life
I shout to Shunta
over my shoulder
as I pedal away
I’m good with numbers
if you need an accountant
or a boss, I think
if painting bicycles should happen
to turn into a business
hah!
and I ride on home
here
in the Dragon’s Mouth