I was born in Kamata, Tokyo

Homeless

Prostitutes

Gay people

In the park

In the station

In the supermarket

Murmuring

Shouting

Watching

Sleeping

I was born in Kamata, Tokyo

Granma was carrying me on her back

Saying

“Iiko, iiko. Never seen such a pretty baby”

Mom was holding me in her arms

Kissing me

On my cheeks

On my lips

On my soul

I was born in Kamata, Tokyo

Smell of

Night

City

Alcohol

Cigars

Toilets

Fast food

Chinese food

Ramen

Sushi

I was born in Kamata, Tokyo

I grew up in Fujisawa, Kanagawa

I could see Mt. Fuji

Every morning

Every evening

Every face

Pure, clear morning blue sky

Sun, rising a melty honey color

Burning, shining sunset

Smokey evening

A white hat on his head

In summer days

My skin tans

Smells like sunshine

Tastes like the first Gin-and-Tonic on the beach

Sounds like a shooting star dusting the sky

In summer days

I saw fireworks on the beaches of

Kamakura, Enoshima, Chigasaki, Tsujido, Zushi

I was crazy about

Exploding flowers over the beaches

Sprinkles of

Red crimson, Egyptian gold, Mediterranean blue, Emerald green

Disappearing into deep Shonan nights

Boogie boarding I command:

Be a wave!

Be the wind!

Faster, faster!

Give me more speed!

My skin was salty

In the Pacific Ocean

On the wave

I could feel

Connected with every continent

A part of the ocean

A part of the earth

Remembering

I was born from the ocean

Floating

Diving

I grew up in Fujisamwa, Kanagawa

Now I am in New York

Vibrations of hot energy

Crossing thoughts

Mixed

Mixed

I am comfortable

Putting myself in

This

Rainbow juice

People

Sing in overlapping layers

Shout with mouths clapping

Dance to world music rhythms

Speak in swinging words

Run in swift beats

Though the streets

and the subways

Through the parks

Now I am in New York

Smell

Honey peanuts

Hot dogs

Pizza

Coffee

Pretzels

Bagels

Curry

Sushi

Falafel

Yankee Stadium

Central Park

Harlem Nights

MOMA

I

Fell in love with New York

“and you can’t take that away from me”

Like dancing with Tamango

Feeling his warmth through my soul

Hoping

To stay here

In New York

Forever

And ever

Now

I am in New York