NOW THE BRIDGE A GREY ORCHID

Belonging to Girl H, designated at birth. Over time evolved from

今　さら屋根　やら橋　ら灰色　の蘭　とか言われ　ても黒い idea of

orchid 絵 to image of orchid to real orchid, described as fitting for

Girl H—how perfect, how complimentary, how beautiful.

We do not draw attention to the fact that they have long ceased

to mention のなか　でうご　めいてい　る濃い色の　花が武　器だと

Girl H and her grey orchid. In fact all of this took place so long ago

that Girl H’s understanding of the orchid is limited to the vague

いうこ　とだけ　は隠し sensation of a residual history.

At the great bridge Girl H is asked to present her papers. All she 通し

has is the grey orchid. They accept it, but not without reminding her

that she is crossing with a bad orchid. They will be checking on her

て行こう. Her foot falters; she crosses. In the distance, a field of

daisies waving.

from Some Girls Walk Into The Country They Are From (Wave Books, 2020) by Sawako Nakayasu