tokyo

the journey

8 hours; bus and train

time glides along the train tracks,

swift and easy.

by bus, i'm pressed against the window

watching the cities scroll by

until i drift into a leisurely slumber

my headphones as the backing track to my light dreams. 

the evening

we reach there at around 6pm;

through the hotel window there is a gleaming yellow building.

there, i run my fingers along shelves

stacked within are the crisp squares of art–

a rare opportunity. 

the overlook

up above,

i stood at the overlook. 

crystals lingered in the air

a vibrant blue. 

the city went on forever.

the claw machines

glittering prizes, 

temptation. 

the clink of falling tokens. 

a scam i'm willingly giving myself to. 

the prizes of my efforts i wear like medals;

charms strung across my belt loops.