The time that I first saw the light
Sun turned into darkness
Of the billows of smoke
From the warship
Lifeless bodies sprawled
Tora, Tora, Tora
A shout from one of the Axis Powers.

The moon did not shine
Stars were hidden by the dusty clouds
Tremors shook the earth
Hunger, thirst and nakedness
Enveloped my childhood.

In my youth
As tender as the rose bud
I just hold on to dear life
While my friends danced
Laughed out loud
Turned nights
As their happiest lives.

Like an owl
I made nighttime
Into daytime
Used my hands
Until they were tender and swollen
Pounded my mind
Until it was numb.

Same as the ants
I worked during hot and rainy days
Hoarded all things
I can hold
Trash of others
I made them
A mountain of fortune
Clothes that I have worn
Were all hand -me- down
Tears that came down my eyes
I made them
My daily table salt.

Now stars are hiding no more
Crowned with laurels of my own
But I will never
No, never
Intend to sit on them
Afraid to let them go
I continue
The cycle of my life
Haggled over every last dime
To ensure
That cruel days
Will not take control.

Copyright 2018, Rose Marie Juan- Austin, All Rights Reserved