VOX POPULI: Witty poems capture the maturing process

The sixth senryu poetry contest for people aged 60 and older, sponsored by the Japanese Council of Senior Citizens Welfare Service, received about 2,000 entries.

Here are some of the prizewinners, along with a few others that made it to the finals.

"In a romance at 70/ The delicious fluttering of my heart/ Turns into an accelerated heart rate."

A piece like this could only be penned by a 73-year-old.

"I might have as well gambled away/ The pension premiums I have paid," notes a sharp observer of the nation's woes.

"Japan's famed Bushido (way of the samurai)/ Never knew haken-giri (laying off dispatch workers)."

It appears that the nation's welfare policy is tailored more for the young than for the elderly. Hence this lament:

"Having rebuilt the country after its defeat in the war/ We live our old age/ Unthanked."

Self-deprecating humor is evident in this charmer:

"In a karaoke bar/ My beautiful voice wows everyone/ And my dentures fall out."

Here's another: "Where the hell did I put/ My list of things to remember?"

Kimimaro Ayanokoji, a stand-up comedian who pokes fun at the mature generation, would be perfect to recite these two pieces:

"People become rounder as they mature/ In my case, it's only my back."

"Imitating (teenage golf sensation) Ryo Ishikawa's swing/ I hurt my back."

Old habits die hard, and for many Japanese retirees, it's tough to get used to no longer having their business cards to hand out to everyone.

"Nobody in the pub/ Wants to hear the title you held before you retired."

And men being what they are, they just cannot get over their silly rivalries, no matter how old they become.

"The grave site I bought/ Happens to face the plot owned by that detestable creep."

After decades of marriage, each spousal relationship evolves in its own way.

"Nursing my old spouse/ I try to pretend we're still newlyweds." "My hearing aid/ Picks up my wife's complaints."

Some couples appear to be enviably happy: "Exchanging dumb jokes with my wife/ Every day is full of fun."

Growing old with one's partner is everyone's dream, but even among those who are fortunate enough to live out this dream, there comes a sobering moment: "You saw a lucky omen?/ Well, so what?"

The top prize went to this piece: "My whole clan gathered for my 77th birthday party/ For the sushi/ I feel lonely."

It's a true sign of maturity to be able to hold one's tongue in such a situation and pen a wry senryu instead.

And here's another piece in a similar vein: "My kids and grandkids/ Tell me to take it easy/ And work me ragged."

Still, it's wonderful that the author is in such good health that the children and grandchildren can behave like that.

We all need to keep thinking positively.

"Don't lament your memory lapses/ Exercise your noodle."

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 15

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.