365 Days of Japan, Day 15 By Rita H. Chen “You can’t get fucking laid in this country. Foreign men only want to fuck Japanese women and foreign women send Japanese men running. It’s a fucking disgrace.” Lena lifted the cigarette between her fingers to her lips, one elbow propped gracelessly on top of the … More 365 Days of Japan, Day 15
365 Days of Japan, Day 1 By Rita H. Chen She squirmed in the plush blue seat of the airport express train, torn between wanting to press her face up against the window and reclining back in her seat. Another wiggle and she decided to go with the second option. After all, this was her … More 365 Days of Japan, Day 1
I was reflecting on the past year, 2013, and in the spirit of the great Sei Shonagon, I couldn’t help but create a list of all the new things that I had fallen in love with during this time. Things I Fell in Love with in 2013 1) Tea 2) Sweden (though saying I fell … More Things I Fell in Love with in 2013
For He is Faithful By Rita H. Chen God called me to Him, Lovingly gave me a seed, Said to me, “Plant it.” “Watch it grow.” I held the tiny seed, Cupped reverently between both hands, Said to Him, “I can’t.” “I’m not ready.” Finally knelt with trepidation, Covered the seed … More For He is Faithful
Suomenlinna By Rita H. Chen These connecting islands Once a majestic fortress town Now an area trapped in time Buildings beautiful but in disrepair Basic amenities without any frills Tourists wandering in and out One wonders For the 900 Finns still living here Is it choice, necessity, or history that drives the decision? … More Suomenlinna
Coming Home By Rita H. Chen He stood outside the arrival gate of Air China Flight 232, holding a sign with the name, “Wang Mei Hua,” penned carefully in Chinese and English pinyin. Though his wife was supposed to have studied enough Chinese to at least recognize the characters of her name, he felt it … More Coming Home
I Chose You By Rita H. Chen I was once in love, But then I met you. You stole my heart with your clever words, You amazed me with your honesty, You astounded me with the way others listened to you. I found myself falling in love with you. But later I realized Your … More I Chose You
A Canadian in England By Rita H. Chen Not close enough to hear the crackle-snap of burning wood, still the familiar smell of charcoal permeates nostrils Fire’s heat offering wind-chapped fingers respite from cold, biting winds of February The four walls of the English pub I hide in blend brick, mortar, and wood with modern … More A Canadian in England
The Heartbeat of God By Rita H. Chen No one is safe No one is perfect Even the holiest, the pillars of church, struggle every day struggle every hour to tame the desires of the flesh The devil is wicked The devil is conniving Hiding in the commonplace, the seemingly innocent Twisting our thoughts Twisting … More The Heartbeat of God
Memories of India By Rita H. Chen A Trip to the Market In a small auto rickshaw, our driver weaves through the four messy rows of cars, scooters, motorcycles, rickshaws, and trucks crowding the three-lane road; he is nonchalant while we clutch the plastic of our seats in undisguised terror Noise assaults the … More Memories of India
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