This is a poem I created in the Fall of 1997 at the age of 22 while I was attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa. At the time, I was Student Body Vice President. I made a number of poems that fall because of a literary course I was taking. Much of my political drive in my early years was due to the pain suffered by people I knew. Although much of my current legislation is in the economic development arena, I still have a strong passion for women and children issues.
PLEASE SWEETIE DON’T CRY
Hiding in the corner, a little girl cries
Clinging to a teddy bear
She feels lost
Just yearning for someone who cares
Hurt by those she trusts
She keeps the pain inside
What she knows, she won’t tell
Please sweetie don’t cry
I wish I could fly
I would put her in my arms and carry her to the sky
Above the highest mountains
I’d show her the beauty from up high
Little girl wherever you are
I pray for you
May you find joy and live a full life
All alone in the corner at age five
Please sweetie don’t cry
-Jon Riki Karamatsu 1997-
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 