This is a suite from an opera in progress, about the dance
between the cultures of Japan and America, in the 1940s and 50s.

Writing began August 15, 2001.

A special feeling comes from making Japanese metaphors literal --
pelicans, buttons, and fish are characters.

Pelican is love: pelicans carry fish for others.

Button is connection, holding together,

heart to heart, body to body, home to home.

Buttons are to push, on elevators, or in airforce bombers.

Fish are living together, interconnected.

Both English and Japanese are used.
The Japanese is half-sung, after Noh drama style.