Slanted Eyes (Yeux Bridés) Poem by Paul Hartal

In a red coat she walked on black high heel shoes
In a crowded street between men with neckties
As we passed by she cast a casual glance at me
And I admired her radiant almond eyes.

Once on a sunny afternoon in late August
I saw her again in a park under blue skies
The wind moved gently lacy cirrus clouds
And I adored her graceful Asian eyes.

My ancestors did not build the Great Wall
Nor did they belong to ranks of Samurais
But when the Moon rises west of the Silk Road
I dream about the girl with comely oblique eyes.

As the years slip by and we grow old together
We walk hand in hand on fields of butterflies
Why do you love me? She asks and I tell her:
For your beautiful soul and your slanted eyes.