Mai Oki Aizu

Behind the Name Pt. 1

January 02, 2019

Name ・ namae
Intriguing how two parts of me
So much commonality
Yet what’s highlighted for many to see

Is my striking difference
As if a creature
Adrift at sea
Suddenly wants
To befriend the other me

Even the analogy of a sea is laughable
That is what parts me in equal part

Filtering some posts
I grew reminiscent
of young hope

How I wished to know
The wonders of the world
Perhaps to find words
for loved ones to know
Instead I learned to stop
And try not to choke

Learning the art of charades
However true, it is only a part
Till i realized how I was falling apart
Due to numerous compartments
Within my heart
Hoping for someone to listen
As I meandered the earth

And i realized the way to the heart
Is not through a stomach
Although quite effective
Is missing a part
Its name is
Family
Choosing to gather
like loved ones
Sheltered from the cold
Around the hearth
Who know one another’s names for
Pain and Joy
Pride and Humility
Confusion and Clarity
Defense and Transparency
Perhaps the greatest Name spoken
To one another in hushed tones is
I am Listening ・ kiki tsudukeru


Mai Ho

Written by Mai Ho.
ハーフとしての意見、詩や、短編小説📚📝poetry and short stories from the lens of a bi-racial woman