is a Hiroshige scene…
My corner windows
where I watch the world
I see you
but you can’t see me
the world is a Hiroshige scene
My corner windows
where I watch my scented garden
grow and thrive
Inhale gratitude
Exhale peace
I’m the fool on the hill
who knows the world
is not safe anymore
my childhood playground
torn down and gone.
No more playing
hide and seek on urban streets
amber alerts
bullets fly through our homes
schools churches malls — massacred.
Our children
what is your future
you do not deserve
the fate of our mistakes
I cry I pray I negotiate.
There’s always hope
I heard someone say
–I hope someday
that a smile is not an invitation
and children can play in the sun.
Genie Nakano, revised January 1, 2022,
original, published in Rafu Shimpo–July 18, 2019
Genie Nakano 
looking out my corner window brings me peace in these chaotic times. Somedays I just want to stay inside.
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corner window can have a whole horizon….. love it
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Hi Alvin–good to hear from you. I believe this is the first time you ever made a comment on my blog. I feel definitely honored. Yes, there is always hope. Truthfully I am fearful of our worlds future. The global burden placed on future generations. I hope the glaciers stop melting, nature gets balanced, poverty is eliminated, wars never heard of, all people are created equal –a lot to hope for.
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A very thought provoking way to begin the year. I really like this poem. Let’s try to stay on the side of hope.
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Poignant and timely, Genie! Today’s children do not enjoy the freedom we knew as children…that is very sad.
Best wishes for 2022! ❤
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