by Terry Watada
I was running, dragging the wind
along with strong arms]
our otochan
Matsujiro Watada march 1984
[My life cycle
gradually fades to
the same unknown
faced by our
Ancestors
may it be as interesting as the journey
along the karmic wheel]
your oniisan
Hideki Watada 2004
•
the candles
are put out
not even smoke remains
moon-
set at
night
as it sets
for every- one
the rise
of a virgin moon
head to the north, face to the
west
Nirvana
Glossary
Bachangrandmother
Birubeer
Boshinboss
Cheong SamChinese short dress
Gamanpersevere
Goboburdock root
Isseifirst generation Japanese Canadian
KabochaJapanese squash
Kitsuitight (cheap)
Mottanai nephrase: What a waste.
Narutaregion of Japan where whirlpools
are plentiful
Nasubieggplant
Niseisecond generation Japanese
Canadian
Obakeghost, monster
Ojiichangrandfather
Okachan, okasan, okamother
Oniisanoldest brother
Otochan, otosanfather
Onidevil
Roninmasterless samurai
Sanseithird generation Japanese Canadian
Terry Watada is a Toronto poet, novelist, playwright and essayist, and historian, musician and composer, with numerous publications to his credit. Five of his plays have received mainstage production. He contributes a monthly column to The Bulletin, a national Japanese Canadian community paper. For his writing, music and community volunteerism, he was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. His published works include The Sword, the Medal and the Rosary (manga, 2013); Kuroshio: The Blood of Foxes (novel, 2007), Obon: the Festival of the Dead (poetry, 2006); Ten Thousand Views of Rain (poetry, 2001); A Thousand Homes (poetry, 1995); and The TBC: the Toronto Buddhist Church, 1995 – 2010 (2010).
