Student Poem
by Trinket Guth
I cannot find a public trashcan in Tokyo
But I can find a friend’s hand in mine
So we can stick together on the crowded shopping street
A desperate attempt
To not get overwhelmed by the waves of people
I cannot find a public trashcan in Tokyo
But I can find a stall selling melon soda with boba
And the most incredible custard filled mochi
Topped with a
Single
Delicious
Strawberry
I cannot find a public trashcan in Tokyo
But I can find a police officer
Who hears the music from the alarm on my phone
And asks “Kesha???”
And I realize that party music is universal
I cannot find a public trashcan in Tokyo
But I can find the ability to navigate the subway
With a combination of Google Maps
And help from my hand-holding friend
It’s good
To not be alone
I cannot find a public trashcan in Tokyo
But I can find a store
Full
Of secondhand kimono
And every possible kimono accessory
I cannot find a public trashcan in Tokyo
But I can find a smile on my friend’s face
As she picks out a full kimono set
And I stand back
A haori in my arms
I cannot find a public trashcan in Tokyo
But I can find my way back to the train
The smile on my face
Mirroring the one my friend is wearing
I cannot find a public trashcan in Tokyo
But I do find three sticky boba balls
At the bottom of my purse
That escaped from the long-forgotten cup
That I wanted to throw out at the start
Of my unsuccessful search for a trash can
And my very successful day
