The Honey Bucket

The Honey Bucket

Kids are kids, no matter where they may be.
This is a story about what happened to me
in Japan where I lived for part of my youth.
and I swear, every word, is nothing but the truth.

In pre-video days, we played mostly outside.
The most popular game involved taking sides
in a game much like tag where the last one free
was the one who was honored with victory.

Now as a gaijin, my knowledge was scant
about local customs and the rice plant
which was grown everywhere and fertilized
with waste from the bathroom, I soon realized.

This special concoction was kept in a pit
with only a thin piece of wood covering it.
They came from two sides to capture me
but I had a plan that would guarantee
that I’d never be caught and so, with a leap,
I jumped for the far side but ended up deep!

It’s funny how laughter all sounds the same
and I’m sure local legend still recites my name
as the boy who tried to fly over the pit
and probably not ‘cause I almost made it.

Needless to say I lost layers of skin
from all of the bathes and required scrubbin’
from head to toe to get rid of the smell.
I remember they burned my clothes as well.

It may be a cliché - “look before you leap”
but it’s one I now recite even in my sleep.

Notes:

Yes, it’s a true story… and one that still brings a smile to me even after all these years

honey bucket – a place where “fertilizer” is stored.
gaijin – outsider

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise are all equally welcome.

Ken