Hole In the Wall

In the noisy auditorium, Every roll out bleecher was full. As the news of the invasion Became reality in our small town, The noise turned to pandomonium. The battered walls and ceiling fell down. The Asian soldiers broke into the gym Shooting some. Others were trampled, And many more were beaten with rifle butts. Forced in rows and hoarded into wagons, Children were separated from mothers And husbands from wives in fearful terror. Then I felt a hand and gentle voice lead me Behind one of the bleechers. It was Kicho. I followed her through a hole in the wall. I entered another country on the other side And stayed with her there in Aichi, Japan. The neighborhood watch followed me closely As I left her house from a night of sleep and rest. I walked alone to a fish pond down the street Of side-by-side houses to my left and right. Her parents watched me through their windows. Fear was everywhere. I was safe for the moment. ( A dream I had several years after 9/11)