Before breakfast, I cross the street outside my hotel
To visit the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple
People of all ages and economic status
Either bow quickly while passing through the grounds
Or take more time to climb the narrow stairways
Surrounding the golden Buddha waiting for them
For more extensive prayer
I would go up the stairs, but there are many people praying
And not wanting to be the American tourist who interrupts their rituals
I stand off to the side in the courtyard
Amid the colorful lanterns and ribbons of remembrance
Say a Lutheran visitor’s prayer for my departed loved ones
There are several elderly people sweeping the walkways throughout the grounds
While I’m standing there, one of them comes up to me
Compliments me on my aloha shirt, and asks where I’m from
“Ah, Hawai ‘i,” he says, “I visited long time ago, 1980s.
It is a beautiful place, you are so lucky to live there.”
He asks what brings me to Seoul
I explain that I’m half Korean on my father’s side
And this is my third visit to my grandparents’ birthplace
He asks on which island I live
I explain that I’m from Honolulu on O ‘ahu
“Ah, there was little too busy for me,” he says.
“I prefer Big Island.”
I tell him that is my favorite island as well
“I hope to go back one day,” he says
Extending his hand, “Aloha,” he says, smiling
I reach for his hand, say, “Aloha to you, too, Mr. . . . ?”
“I am Lee,” he says
“Oh, I am Lee, too,” I say
“Ah, then,” he says, laughing
“This is family reunion.”
Lanning Lee 