Poet, Performer, Dancer, Storyteller, Yogini
I haven’t posted poetry in over a year, but I write almost every day now in free verse. I enjoy tanka, but free verse gives me more freedom. Each week, I perform and attend workshops at the World Stage in Leimert Park, where I learn from many talented spoken word artists and performers.
I hope to hear from you all soon.
Love and Peace,
Genie Nakano
Golden Fan (Haibun)
This was my favorite fan… During menopause. Whenever hot flashes would arise – – I'd stand up peacock and wave a golden fan.
The sweat would pour down my face, roll down my chest, drip down and in circle, my nipples, and halt right there like a dripping, nursing goddess.
What a surge made you feel like something was really happening
And that Dewey flushed glow on your face – – like you just finished having – – oh, yes.
Well, now it's over. I miss those flashes of instant recognition and instant self-awareness. Now I'm on another phase.
Look. . .
A new moon
Rising
Don’t be afraid to be confused. Try to remain permanently confused. Anything is possible.
George Saunders
I read this today and it seems George and I share the same sentiments. Here are excerpts from a tanka poem I wrote ten years ago. I feel the same way today. Thanks George.
insecurities
always keep me young
my mind
is always changing
indecision keeps me growing
In the end
I like it that way
which way do I turn
right left
I'm not sure
Genie Nakano,
from Soshite, a tanka series
Dad
played piano
melodies
wandered
but he was steady
he
was too shy to dance
me
I love to dance
the gates of heaven open
time wears down
as pulse gets weaker
and feet can’t keep on beat
a sitar drones . . .
Dad I wonder
does this sadden you
as you recall
the earthly pains
before your final steps
ten years
after you passed
advice
from you in a dream
in clear prophetic words
Dad
your warm tears
falling
from the sky
rinse away my fears
January 24, 2021, written by Genie Nakano
Tom Nakano, June 16, 1921 – October 23, 1999
Please hit image and video will play.
Improv tanka poetry workshop at Torrance Library in Spring of 2023. Reading from Wings on a silk veil….
Genie Nakano