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A Different Race

 

Landed, my embarkation card

not filled in - Ich, Ni, San

I know my name, but suddenly

it’s not mine; I drop my pen: Get to the back of the line.

My face fit’s so they let me in

my stature small, body thin.

I spot you in arrivals; your cap

gives you away, we head towards the

station: Insistent, you kindly pay

Tenojii - Hirano - the neon lights

blur my vision, your anxiety hidden

by your perfect posture and form.

We talk until the early hours, I ask to take

a shower, there is only a tub: So snug, a pea in a pod

now in the hub of your home, having flown such a long way.

My bed is now a futon; I lay my head to rest

tomorrow is a new day, in the land of stillness

and Zen.

The sun beats down, we use umbrella, I want to burn

for my cheeks to turn a little red

‘We Japanese aim to please’ - show willing.

Gosh, this fish is so filling, I couldn’t eat another bite

plates pile up; like shelves in my stomach.

Now I’m fighting. My sensei inviting me to stretch some

More, I’m on the floor - endurance is the key

‘We Japanese, do not flee’

Now, it’s just you and me; you tell me how much you miss

England, how happy you were, we share a shortbread biscuit

and take another sip of tea.

By Belinda Johnston

 

 

 

◄ God bless you, Dad

Nan ►

Comments

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Belinda Johnston

Sun 24th Feb 2008 23:45

Thankyou so much Mel and Zuzanna for your comments about my poem.

I have visited Japan, and plan to move there in May this year, and I hope my insights will help me to adapt to this very different culture.

Lots of love

Belinda xx

<Deleted User> (5984)

Fri 22nd Feb 2008 10:17

Hey Bel

I adore the fusion of cultures. Your poem highlights the differences and swings beautifully between the two cultures. I especially love the end of the poem from "Now I'm fighting'...

A beautiful poem.

Mel
xx

<Deleted User> (4281)

Fri 22nd Feb 2008 04:51

Hello, Belinda

Wow! Your poem shows a lot of different cultural differences in a life style. I almost want to ask...Have you been living in Japan.

You have described quite well few scenes that I came across, hosting Foreign students for the English language during summer vacations.

‘We Japanese aim to please’ - show willing.

I have picked this line as it really shows the way of politeness in their culture.

Very creative and thought provoking write:
Enjoyed reading - It shows a lot of truth.

Warm Regards,
Zuzanna

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