Tribute To Aki, My Dear Friend .[ Post-War Japan; Youth; Family; Herbs; Change ] Comments

You have nicely brought in to our knowledge some herbs and plants Japanese use for cooking and medicine. In Indian system of traditional medicine (Ayurveda) , there are uses of different herbs and plants like 'Tulsi(Basil) , Neem, , Bel and many others.In every Hindu house, a Basil plant is a must in their courtyards and a daily 'Puja(worship) is done every morning and evening .Basil leaves are used for cough and cold and skin diseases.

-What a devastation war brings to life of people, be it civilians or soldiers! Those who fight wars for a country in the field lose their lives or limbs, and in the scene you describe, were forced to beggary.It is such a pathetic situation.

In the seemingly-calm years in Japan, Aki was born in '49. Her mother & her father had two sons by that post-war time. At a nearby shrine, Aki saw white-clad veterans ring bells as they begged, some missing parts of their face, and/or limb(s) e.g. arm(s) or leg(s) . - -The third and fourth lines are heart wrenching- - -

WOW! ! ! NOW MY 'FRIEND' TELLS ME SHE DIDN'T WANT ME TO PARROT (MY WORD) HER ABOUT ME IN MY POEM! ! ! she wanted, i guess, a critique, or (more likely) an emotional response to her About Me. well, either way, this poem is staying, but i'm TRYING to write something poetic more to her liking. it is more TRYING (on me) to do so, but i shall struggle on to fulfill her request...even if i have to give up eating ice cream. WHAT did i say? ! ! ! no, i ain't givin' up I C. bri :)

Request of a friend nicely honoured.10+

Interesting write and a lovely tribute for your friend. Her knowledge of herbs would have certainly enriched her pen.

Thank you for this delicious story of Aki. It exudes aroma of herbs. I am happy Aki didn't forget her roots despite having been replanted in the US. Right now I am trying an old traditional curry in the kitchen (wife asleep) . Aki inspires me and am sure my recipe is going to work wonders. (10)

This poem reminds me of my old friend HERB Roth. (Excuse me for this comment; I'm reading James Joyce's Ulysses and got caught up in a stream of consciousness.

Enjoyed this well told tale As you know I like to read histories and geographies of people and there in clocks that follow heart beats great write my friend.