An Ode to Ghibli
There is an island of myth and history
Across the ocean Pacific
On which there is a special factory
Of dreams to be specific
Within its walls are artists and geniuses
Who with pencil and brush create fantastic treasures
Their creations take us to worlds old and new
With magic and beauty that is beyond measure
These creations for decades have brought us laughs
As well as tears of joy and sadness and gasps
And they are so amazing and so magical
That we always love to have them in our grasps
A princess of the wind kind and brave
Who takes a soaring ride on her glider
With her fox squirrel on her shoulder
She looks ahead, eyes growing wider
Behind the clouds is a flying city
On which there is magic and wonder
As well as treasure that many would
Want to do nothing but plunder
A boy and his little sister
Who with fruitdrops and fireflies
Try to persevere through war
A longing for peace in their eyes
At the bus stop in the rain
There is a creature big and furry
Who will hop aboard the catbus
Available to all in a hurry
There is the small witch and her cat
With pastries on her broom
On it I certainly hope
That for three there is room
A woman goes to the country
And reflects on when she was a girl
And remembers what it was like
To live in such a blissful world
In his plane shooting down pirates
There is a pilot a flyin’
And though he has the head of a pig
His heart is that of a lion
Two best friends in high school
Who begin to fight for her affections
But after things get heated
All three try to restore their connections
There are raccoons in the forest
Who when they are threatened by construction
Take any form they must and try
To save their way of life from destruction
A girl lost in her books
Who has an amazing imagination
In which she must venture
To go through all of life’s intimidations
A woman who was raised as an animal
And along with wolf, ape, and boar
Learns that humans no matter how evil
Are not all bad to their core
Laugh at the wacky family
Who drive each other delirious
And see them go through life’s mishaps
Both stressful and hilarious
Ride the train across the water
To the bathhouse of witches and spirits
And remember to tell your story
To all those who would want to hear it
In the bureau there is a cat
With plenty of style and grace
Who is always there to guide you
No matter what hardship you face
With the fire’s roaring power
You will ride a giant walking castle
On which you and I can travel
Without all the fuss and hassle
Go back to an ancient time
Of wizards and horse-pulled wagons
And witness what is causing
The conflict between the dragons
You shall see in your tiny bucket
A girl who just happens to be a fish
If there is one thing of her you must know
It is that ham is her favorite dish
Beneath the floorboards you will find
A girl you can hold in you palm
Who when you are afraid of death
Helps you remember to stay calm
When you are sailing near the harbor
Squint your eyes if you please
And you will see the flags for soldiers
Flapping in Summer’s breeze
A man who soars in his dreams
And makes amazing flying machines
To him they are masterpieces
Though they are weapons powerful and lean
A princess that was born from bamboo
Who must pay the price of royalty
And when her time on Earth is ending
She shall learn the value of loyalty
There is a golden-haired girl
In the house across the marsh
Who desperately needs a friend
For her life is bleak, cold, and harsh
This factory has brought so many worlds to life
They have filled our hearts and expanded our eyes
But unfortunately that factory will close its doors
So I am sad to say we must give our goodbyes
Their impact will always be felt
They have inspired so many in their field
And shown us that the pencil
Above any machine is greatest to wield
I like all of you cannot bear to see them leave
Their amazing gifts the world must always know
And so to that factory known as Ghibli
I say only one word and that is arigato*
*Japanese for thank you
