Rising

by Yong Takahashi

Genres: poetry; Asian American; women poets

Synopsis

RISING reveals flashes of life's most intimate moments filled with love, hope, remorse, longing, and anguish. We root for the one who reaches for happiness but is not yet able to grasp it. We wince for the one who picks at festering wounds that never quite heal. We are breathless as we run alongside those who chase after a thirst that can never be quenched.

Release date: June 27, 2021

Print pages: 55

Sample

Cycles

I.

Electric-charged first kiss

Soft bed and breakfast retreats

Warm morning embraces

Ring of promises

Fragrant, wild tulip bouquets

Overflowing champagne flutes

Raspberry mouse, vanilla buttercream cake

Heartfelt toasts

Honeymoon filled with beachside walks

Chasing each other around sand castles

 

II.

Salty-teared peck on cheek

Last trip to fertility clinic

Unable to look at each other

Plans slowly dissipate

Wilted anniversary flowers

Downing bitter coffee

Soured milk in the refrigerator

“We can try again”

Leaving on solo vacations

Not looking back at each other in airport

 

III.

Holding each other after receiving news

Promotion and transfer to a new town

Holding hands

Dreaming of new beginnings

Cutting roses from the new garden

Letting wine and themselves breathe

Feeding each other dim sum

Laughing at fortune cookie messages

Walking to ice cream shop around the corner

Arms around each other for the next four decades

 

IV.

Good-bye kiss

Each now on their own journeys

Holding the body until torn apart

Doctor returns the wedding ring

Visiting room full of sympathy arrangements

Forced sips of water

Can’t hold down food

“We’ll see each other soon”

Last walk together

Ashes scattered in sand