Ryukyu

by Jenifer Tull-Gauger

 

My heart lies across the sea

In a land where I may never be.

 

Some have called it Shangri-La

But it is real, visceral and raw.

 

Our grandfathers saw them die.

Some went by the way of suicide.

 

Skeletons lay on the beach

For years after a peace pact was reached.

 

Tiny island paradise

With misfortune to be placed “just right.”

 

Big countries vied to consume

Until the U.S. showed all the rule.

 

Despite all the oppression,

They stuck to the heart of their nation.

 

Focused first on family

With great traditions that are healthy.

 

People I may never see,

Yet my heart’s with them over the sea.