For Women Only _ A poem by Yuri Kageyama

For Women Only _ A Poem by Yuri Kageyama

perfume,

rubbing shoulders,

we rattle silently over the tracks

blouses, tucked bags, even powdered chins,

up too close to really see;

we sense only relief

we smell no greasy beards or sweaty suits or

beer breath of the morning after _

this morning commuter train

“josei senyo sha”

reserved

for women only,

introduced to protect the gentle sex

from those groping dark hands

preying prying fingers, stroking thigh,

poking panties,

pretending to be penises

right in public transport,

“josei senyo sha”

this is the kindness of Japanese society:

let chikan go unchecked,

forgiven for their mischief,

and give us, women, this special spot

farthest from the action

farthest from the ticket gates

the first car up front,

and the most dangerous

if we crash