Reclining once on distant cot
I put to lips a paper-edge
And whistled up all wistfully
A song.
In that far land I'd lately heard,
Upon which passing by and hearing,
Curious mawarisan
Came to see what strange gaijin
Knew as I Shina no Yoru too,
And whistled it with so much feeling,
Strange, I guess, in all Amerikajn.
Noting him, I spoke,
He bowed, we smiled, he then walked on.
And never to this day have we
Seen one the other more.
Of no import this brief encounter,
Save for me, for I was there.
And often I am led to think:
Across the sea and aged just like me,
Retired mawarisan may hear that tune
And may perhaps recall a gaijin
And that moment his and mine.
"Shina no Yoru" song "China Nights."
mawarisan: patrolman
Amerikajin and gaijin: American
The time Ben spent in Korea was very important to him: 1952-1954. I only met him about 6 mos after he came home. But he spoke often of Korea and taught me this song.
I am sure you will love this sweet poem about a sweet boy who loved the song: SHINA NO YORU
I will from time to time share more of Ben's poems with you.
annie in memphis
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