Blood Red

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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.

Baby Bengal


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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

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

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Erratica

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Seasons are erotic
beyond belief…
not certain of spring
unafraid of winter
I depend on tomorrow
Genie Nakano

originally published in “Storyteller”, 2014

those winter nights~~a tanka

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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

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY , 2021

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FALLING IN LOVE WITH LOVE……..

HEY there,
how can I talk to you
I’m kind of shy
see that cloud above
it’s shaped into a heart

Valentine’s Day
not only for lovers
and romance
it’s for everyone
“to fall in love with love”

white chocolate clouds
whip across the sky
sweetness fills the air
breathe in the day
it’s time to indulge in love.
Genie Nakano

2/14/15, revised today, 2.14.21
originally printed in “Tanka Tales”, Gardena Valley News