The Dream of a Little Occupied Japan Doll

Kimiko Hahn

Among the hundred porcelain figurines,

the first one -- with slanted eyes, fat cheeks,

queue (though that's Chinese), and Chinese bonnet --

is my favorite. Among all those in pajamas

or gowns or the two in kimono,

the first is my favorite. Of those with rickshaw,

tambourine, or parasol and fan --

I keep on my desk the first one

though she -- or he -- is not doing a darn thing.

Here in sleep, rivalry is reserved.

And as dreams "tune the mind for conscious awareness"

perhaps this favoritism suggests

I've quit hoarding and now collect myself.

For Alice and Laurie