Foreign Countryside

The loud chirps of cicadas all around 
The nostalgic feel of the sun 
Glass-like water droplets dripping from the bright green leaves 
The calm quiet vibe this foreign sundown town brings 

Two girls riding on bikes together 
Soft golden ribbons that make them both match 
Laughing, chatting, having fun 
Creating memories that will soon turn into nostalgia 

The old run down traditional homes that cover this foreign village 
Small gardens that bloom with flowers 
The warm onsens that offer a relaxing feeling 

The sea is near this small village 
As the oceanic air gently gusts through me 
I feel a calm breeze through the air 

As the sun sets, I still hear the cicadas chirping 
The friends are far long home 
And the lights to the kominkas go dark

--Kaitlyn L., 9th-12th Grade