Poet, Performer, Dancer, Storyteller, Yogini
Nothing
like an old belt,
he says,
like my arms around him
doesn't cut or cinch
Genie Nakano, originally Published in Storyteller, 2014
He lies on the floor
unable to move or speak
I leave him there
that angry man
and let his mind expire
the ambulance arrives
carries him away
he cannot move
the right half of him
is paralyzed
my youth
spent away living
in a den of darkness
the bedroom was only
a place for bitter dreams
beaten by his temper
neglected by his need
for wealth
I turn soft with sweets
hands cripple in a cry
feet frozen in the sand
I choose to leave
this place of comfort
a closet full of clothes
vestiges of camouflage
for a lonely barren life
don’t know, don’t know
I’ve lost my honest voice
where do I go
how can I stand
on these trembling legs
God give me strength
I must not give in
to buckling knees
die my mother’s death
her pockets torn…
with old regrets
Genie Nakano, Published 2015 in “Bright Stars”, Editor M. Kei
For my all Sisters this is Woman’s Month.
casting down
on my skin, a silver moon
how can needs
be fulfilled, when what
is wanted is not needed
Genie Nakano,
Originally published in Rafu Shimpo and Colorful Lives
Travel
to a foreign land
backpacks only
whisper in empty rooms
spoon to keep warm
Genie Nakano
Green grapes
make sweet wine
red grapes full body
rich deep in color
my husband prefers red
Genie Nakano, 2018
Harry is singing his song in a parking lot, of an elementary school–somewhere in a midwestern state. He has a full band backing him. His voice beautiful resounding over the whole black top. Kathy is trying to get money to fund him.
He deserves it, she says. So do I, I say under my breath feeling rather empty inside.
I run to an open field of grass some of the blades are yellowing but it is pure space under blue skies and sunshine. Uncanny for this time of year in a midwestern state.
Three men running behind me with a baby Bengal tiger at their side. One of the men has blood dripping down his face. The baby Bengal unleashes and bolts towards me–his mouth wide open in a smile is about to knock me over.
I wake up to find Bodhi, my little dog asleep at my feet.
Baby Bengal tiger
what are we going to do
together
we share the world
a million journeys ahead
Genie Nakano, 3 . 6 . 21
Women
hold up half the sky
our curves
surround the Oceans
deep within lies bliss
Genie Nakano,
3.2.21, originally published in Rafu Shimpo
HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY MONTH
Seasons are erotic
beyond belief…
not certain of spring
unafraid of winter
I depend on tomorrow
Genie Nakano
originally published in “Storyteller”, 2014
oh, little sparrow in my hands, sing your song moment to moment only this moment. Genie Nakano originally published in "Storyteller", 2014 and Rafu Shimpo
On fire
burning bright
our legs
candy cane
through the nite
Genie Nakano
Hoping everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day. Feb. 14th, 33 years ago was my engagement day with my hubby. I lost the wedding/engagement ring but we remain engaged with life, passions and growth-- till death do us part. 2 .15. 21
Genie Nakano