Once upon a time
I was in a dancer's body
high kicks and splits
on the count of one two three
finger pointing to the moon
tell it like it is
rheumatoid sets in
with carbon steel hips
the cards fall this way
now deal
at the airport
my hip replacement
triggers alarms
so much attention
for all the wrong reasons
even in my dreams
flight is not easy
arms beat the air
heavy legs drag
until the silk veil lifts
Genie Nakano
Published, Wings on a Silk Veil. Available on Lulu.
Note: Finger pointing to the moon is a Buddhist metaphor. The moon represents knowledge and enlightenment. However, the finger or a person pointing to the moon is not the moon.
I love writing--It's my joy, my therapy--my confession. I'm a performer, dancer, yoga and meditation instructor, write a poetry column for Rafu Shimpo. Growth and love of life is a key to my happiness.
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5 thoughts on “Pointing to the Moon”
Really beautiful—transformation doesn’t always look as we think it might.
I remember Aliso Village as being a fun time.Always kids to play with then we moved to Ramona Gardens Projects then the Navy projects in Long Beach on Williams St. (they were torn down too) then to El Sereno. Our house in El Sereno 2231 Lansdowne was torn down by eminent domain to build Cal State University. Seems I can’t go back.
Love your book and your ability to make the pain a piece of beauty….how you dance with grace against the struggle…that brings the moon into something touchable..inside the world of rhythm
Genie Nakano 
Really beautiful—transformation doesn’t always look as we think it might.
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I remember Aliso Village as being a fun time.Always kids to play with then we moved to Ramona Gardens Projects then the Navy projects in Long Beach on Williams St. (they were torn down too) then to El Sereno. Our house in El Sereno 2231 Lansdowne was torn down by eminent domain to build Cal State University. Seems I can’t go back.
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I am speechless …you are a great writer and artist. I’m ordering more cards today.
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Love your book and your ability to make the pain a piece of beauty….how you dance with grace against the struggle…that brings the moon into something touchable..inside the world of rhythm
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I love Aliso Villager. From humble beginnings who would have dreamed? We did and that’s how we rose.
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