Poems that Capture the Heartbreaking Reality of Japanese Internment

The Poetic Expression of a Dark Chapter in History

The Japanese internment during World War II was a painful and unjust period in American history. More than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in internment camps, simply because of their heritage. While the internment camps were meant to protect national security, they instead became symbols of prejudice and discrimination. Through the power of poetry, writers have sought to shed light on this dark chapter and preserve the stories of those affected. Here are a few poignant examples of poems that explore the Japanese internment experience.

1. "In Response to Executive Order 9066" by Dwight Okita

"In Response to Executive Order 9066" by Dwight Okita is a powerful and emotional poem that reflects on the internment experience. The title refers to the executive order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, authorizing the internment of Japanese Americans.

It was my father who told me
about the men, the soldiers
who came with trucks
to take his father away.

Okita's poem captures the fear and confusion experienced by families torn apart by the internment. Through simple yet evocative language, he highlights the pain of losing loved ones and being forced into unfamiliar surroundings.

2. "The Internment" by Garrett Hongo

"The Internment" by Garrett Hongo is a deeply personal poem that reflects on the poet's own family's experience in an internment camp.

With my father's eyes I see
the nihonmachi closing down,
the shops boarded, mothers
packing things into their cars.

Hongo's poem explores the lasting impact of internment on individuals and communities. The imagery of closed shops and families packing up their belongings conveys the sense of loss and disruption caused by the internment.

3. "Topaz" by Lawson Fusao Inada

"Topaz" by Lawson Fusao Inada offers a vivid and haunting portrayal of life in the Topaz internment camp, located in Utah.

we shall all be reunited
we shall all be reunited
on the other side of the mountains
on the other side of the mountains
and only the wind
and only the wind shall be left.

Inada's poem reflects the resilience and hope of those interned, despite the harsh conditions they endured. The repetition of the phrase "we shall all be reunited" emphasizes the longing for freedom and the belief in a brighter future.

Preserving the Voices of the Past

These poems serve as a reminder of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during the internment period. They allow us to connect with the emotions and experiences of those directly affected and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.

Through poetry, we can confront the dark moments of history, learn from them, and ensure that they are never forgotten. These poems about Japanese internment invite us to reflect on the power of empathy and the importance of standing up against discrimination in all its forms.

Let these poems be a testament to the strength and resilience of those who endured the internment, and a call to action for a world that cherishes diversity and upholds the values of justice and equality for all.