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posted July 24, 2009
two poems by Gerald McBreen
EIGHT FORTY-FIVE A.M.
Mr.Tanimoto loved the first light
of day. Everything unfolded new. He savored the smells of the market:
spices mixed with salt water fish, fruits and vegetables. The aroma was enough
to make his mouth water. He turned fifty nine years old on this bright clear
sky morning and his family planned an early evening festival.
It was during his morning walk
he met a soldier on churches recovering from war wounds. One of the
signs, along with battle ships in the harbor and persistent rumors the military was planning on moving its strategy headquarters from Tokyo to the island, that the country
was at war.
Although their conversation was
brief it was evident the young soldier was proud to be in the service of
the Emperor. Tanimoto would liked to have heard more from the boy but an army
transport rattled to a stop before them. The boy threw his crutches into the back
seat and ducked to enter. Tanimoto raised his hand in farewell, “Good lu...”
Mr. Tanimoto, his family and
friends, in a blink of lightning were incinerated. Even their ashes ignited leaving
no trace. Mr. Tanimoto was no longer even a memory.
Tons of confetti rained from
skyscrapers and tall buildings. There was dancing, jumping, shouting, singing,
and loving... and loving... and loving... Churches all across the country filled
praising God in every denomination. Pictures flashed around the world; a sailor kissing
a nurse symbolizing the jubilation of a thankful nation.
Couples making babies
Instant cremation
The victor
The vanquished
DAD’S LOVE
He prized his books
Wall to wall shelves
children’s stories freckled
among his favorites
He always found time
to read fables mythology
fiction etc., etc.
Reading became a ritual
even gave us a say
in the next inkslinger
When he thought
we were asleep
He’d lean over whisper
we could be whatever
we could dream