Another three months 
Have come to a close 
A country I never thought I’d visit 
Let alone for this long 
Korea and Japan 
Different animals 
My time here was dialectic 
Now, I want more. 
 
The thing I missed the most about the Japan 
Hands down, was the people 
Singular in their manners 
Rewarding in their bond 
Korea, though carnivorous - 
Spicy and hot - 
The food would be my choice 
And the handful of locals I’ve managed to befriend 
Next time, I’ll learn Hangul. 
 
I didn’t expect to become versed in K-pop 
To chance by festivals and find a job 
I was crying one moment, then out on adventure 
Maybe I did them at the same time 
Maybe they’re two sides of the same coin. 
 
Because Japan was special from day one 
Korea, exactly a month after landing at Incheon 
Since then, it’s been a ride 
Best, worst, happy, lost 
I still feel like I don’t belong 
It’s a party for locals 
And my heart is across the pond 
I wanted to be someone else 
To fit in, and change my reflection 
Painted with the wrong hue 
A piece of tofu in a Korean barbecue 
But I wouldn’t change a thing 
Not one choice 
I’d do it again 
Hence the songs of this post. 
 
I grieve the ending 
A bitter “annyeonghi gyeseyo” 
Lonely strolls and heartaches 
Tteokbokki and brushstrokes