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Hey Obasan,
did you see me smile?
looking like Aunty Kimi, Aiko, Yae and Mary
And Ojisan,
the nod of my head?
looking like Uncle Mako, Tad, Jiro and Fred
Grandma’s got an apron just like yours
and Grandpa’s hands wore the same laboring years
Come speak Jinglish
and take me back to our sweet Issei
To a language my children may never hear
Tell me about Lem’s in J-Town
and mutton in Camp
How you spent your Redress
and how your mother cursed the hakujin
Is it true you dodged sentries
to trout the foothills of Manzanar
and in the shadows cooed quietly
tending Sansei roots
under moist breath and Swing
Let me get the door Obachan
Over time, you’ve lost a step
smile still quick
Your beauty shop weekends
to gossip and monku
Leaving your black dye years ago
Massaged in with plastic gloves to keep your edge
when pitted against younger sisters on the line
Clocking-in again to feed sons and daughters
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Ojisan, how did it feel
while John Wayne murdered you/us
when the Drive-ins were big?
And too many backaches and tongue-biting
to deserve your one-room J-Town flat
doubled up to make ends meet
Obasan, Ojisan,
your very presence--resistance and victory
Dicondra, cool under Yonsei feet
Yes, the Pioneers are smiling
So enjoy yourselves...
... but if I may
work remains undone:
health care a given
libraries rampant
kaki-lined streets
murals on every corner
our voices clear with song
Power for all
So, go out fighting--even for others
Redress unfinished
Justice for New Otani/Kajima workers
and more...
Leading our children in the right direction
Towards the beauty of a brighter day
A path cleared by cane fires, Practice and Love
Our actions today
With purpose and compassion
bring fearless passing
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