ホテル (hoteru)
Lying on clean white sheets
AC softly buzzing
neon lights flicker through
anonymous yet calming
A tired greying youth
chrysalis slowly shedding
tingles in anticipation
only here in passing
Removed from context and routine
the mind wanders free
their favourite self
indulges in moments of clarity
Not escaping but observing
a second pair of eyes
translating and understanding
the distance between who they were
and who they want to be
Now foreign jazz tunes
guide precise moves
leather boots strapped
linen shirt untucked
and the world opens up
By Teo Akasaka.