Shanghaid

Dear friends,

Things have been very busy lately. After a harrowing and educational trip to China I went to Seoul to lecture the new generation of TaLK (Teach and Learn in Korea) scholars. Afterwords, the Jejudonians had our own orientation, once more at the Hotel Robero in Jeju-si. I have just now returned. In the mean time production levels as far as music and writing go have been off the charts. It’s just that there’s nothing quite ready for this forum.

Incidentally I’ve been writing poetry. I’m no Auden, but it is fun. I realize I promised fiction. On the way. Until then, here’s a little number I wrote in Shanghai. True story.

Shanghaid

I woke up on a Shanghai train

to grinning eyes across the way

which looked at me as if to say

you are a surprise, and so is today.

-AO IV