I sing to myself, more hum in my head, The radio soundtrack of youthStuck in my brain, lyrics poorly recalledMore often … More

The younger me could never see omens,Oblivious to foreshadow,Now shining into focus from behind,Backward looking glass reflecting reversedThat younger me … More

The damnedest blocking up of living long,Strapped in by bands and iron barsFrom which desire could never break away.Life sapped … More

My paternal grandfather,My harabeoji, born and raised inKorea, spoke little English,And I spoke barely anyKorean, so I never had anActual … More

Piece #1 After graduating fromAustin High in Chicago, my mom,Offered a modeling job,Had also been acceptedTo both the Universities ofChicago … More

My parents loved animalsOf all kinds.  This is the one thing ILearned from them that’s shaped me most.Our home, a menagerieEqual … More

You Win Some, You Lose One Dad, on the boxing teamFor UW Madison,Didn’t realize heWas in training for combat.He wasn’t … More

My dad completed hisCollege freshman year beforeBeing drafted intoWorld War II.  For the next fourYears, a paratrooper withThe 504th, 82ndAirborne Division, … More

First time in KoreaI would hunt high and lowFor decaf coffee.Everywhere they’d stare,Their brows crinkling a mixture:Pity and anger,Raising fingers … More

Bulbuls devour myHawaiian chili peppersScarf them all downLeave me nothing butPerhaps for you a free plantThank random poopingLike bitter melonVines … More