A flood to one is a trickle to another

Her eyes the stars, red rimmed

explosive craters, al punto de estallar,

and a heart also lonely and

wanting true recognition, but

deeper, resonance at the frequency,

being able to find ourselves pleasure,

no fear of scarcity,

ripe and ready to leap.

The land, a map, bodies, desire…a beautiful piece I saw at a gallery in Insadong.

I sat at “Tea Plant” in the French district of Seoul where a group reveled with wine and cakes in the afternoon, surrounded by live greenery, a grand piano, and expansive views of the city. I had tried to find a café within walking distance of both the National Library and the Bus station for the hour and a half I had before my bus. It was a steep contrast to the park near my hotel, where most people lounging around looked intoxicated, disheveled, or both.

In my dreams, I was facing surveillance, trying to power through feeling unsafe by doing things I do to try to feel safe (yoga, stretching, meditation)…also, legacy, what it means to uphold, what it means to be destroyed.

It is hard to tell, but the two establishments here are very representative of “new” and “old” Korea. Seen in Itaewon.