the red and orange of your dress

the pink silk of your hands
reminds me of the colors
she was

I am Japanese

your face is like hers
the black hair cut closely to your ears

we were Japanese
my fifth birthday
she made me a kimono

to match the one she wore
for ceremonials and feasts

she folded yellow birds
from a smooth and shiny paper

strung them high above my bed

Published: Oct 15 1976

Ellen Carter is now working as an Editorial Assistant on John Hopkins’ Alumni magazine. (updated 1976)

Point Reyes, California

Poetry by Ellen Carter

Poetry by Ellen Carter

Poetry by Sarah Audsley

Poetry by Humberto Ak'abal • Translated from the Spanish by Michael Bazzett