Hi-Dong Chai | + Follow Poet |
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Sacrifice

It was during WWII
Japan ruled 
Koreans obeyed

Japan ordered
All Koreans
Walk up to Shinto Temple
And bow down to the picture
Of their emperor

Are you kidding?
My father scoffed
My God is god of Jesus Christ
Him will I only serve

My father was taken to prison

My brother Hi-Seung volunteered
To join the military
To have his father released

He left home
As a vibrant 15 year old boy
He returned home
As an injured 18 year old man
He died a year later

Before he died
I looked forward
To every tomorrow

When he died
The light went out of my life
He was my best friend

My heart still yearns for him
More than sixty years later

I wish there is a place
Called heaven
So that I can hold his hand
Look up to him with smile
When I get there

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Sand Blown Date: 2/18/2021 5:31:00 PM ...wow....the upside down and backwards peace and pain paradox....nicely writ..... stan sand Login to Reply Sand Blown Date: 2/21/2021 11:39:00 AM ...dear chai...upside down and backwards was how i came to understand the paradox and find peace.....peace to you friend ......stan sand

Ann Foster Date: 9/12/2019 10:50:00 AM There is my friend. And when we get there, I want to meet your brother. He wounds wonderful indeed. God Bless your father and your family and your house forever. Ann As for your poem, you are an incredible artist with a pen for a brush. Ann Login to Reply Hi-Dong Chai Date: 9/12/2019 5:04:00 PM Thank you for your response.

Silent One Date: 9/8/2019 8:04:00 AM Brilliant poem.. Login to Reply Hi-Dong Chai Date: 9/8/2019 6:24:00 PM Thank you

Kim Rodrigues Date: 9/7/2019 7:59:00 PM Wow! Beautiful sentiments that made me cry. Some handle the weight of the world on their shoulders. God does indeed see. Some are meant to be witnesses and to share the injustice that exists. I can’t imagine losing my family. No words... Login to Reply Kim Rodrigues Date: 9/8/2019 6:27:00 AM God bless you, friend! Hi-Dong Chai Date: 9/7/2019 10:21:00 PM I still miss my brother, my best friend. But we need to march on with time if we have a goal in life.