In Japan, they write on rice paper, <br />In America, we write on the sides of buildings. <br />In Japan they honor their elders, <br />In America, we rob them on buses, <br />And abuse them. <br />In Japan there is great love for their country. <br />In America, people are refusing to stand, <br />For the national anthem. <br />In Japan, men are volunteering to die, <br />Without a second thought, <br />To give up their lives, <br />To save their fellow citizens. <br />Oh yes, you'll say, the Japanese are great, <br />At dying, at suicide missions. <br />But is that the point? <br />Shouldn't the point be, <br />The Japanese love their homeland, <br />The Japanese love their own people, <br />The Japanese love their way of life, <br />The Japanese love their traditions, <br />Love, honor, respect, courage, <br />Nobody writes on Japanese walls. <br />Offenders are quickly and severely dealt with. <br />Wouldn't you volunteer also? <br />Maybe not. <br />Honor, and courage, <br />Seem to be, <br />In short supply, <br />Stateside. <br /> <br />3/26/11 Alton Texas<br /><br />Juan Olivarez<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/honor-and-courage/
