write a short poem about gratitude to my sister friends who lead Obon dancing with me every year
A small group of women gather with me in the small country church in California to keep Japanese Obon (folk dancing) tradition alive in the community.  The festival is open to the public and includes brightly colored kimonos, lanterns and japanese food. We carry the tradition for the next generation - children are dressed in traditional dress.   These 8 - 10 sister-women keep the tradition of honoring our ancestors, keeping the family tradition and provide dance leadership to hundreds of people every year at the annual Obon festival.  They sacrifice their time to teach and lead these dances every year.  They are my sisters