In America 1979

A haibun

Featured in

  • Published 20211102
  • ISBN: 978-1-922212-65-8
  • Extent: 264pp
  • Paperback (234 x 153mm), eBook

In America, I was no longer who I thought I was; one time in America, I was a white person helping an elderly black woman with her heavy suitcase across the platform. A tall black man holding a Bible bowed his head at me, and said, ‘God bless.’ 

In America, I was often God blessed – 

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

If you are an educator or student wishing to access content for study purposes please contact us at griffithreview@griffith.edu.au

Share article

More from author

At the crossroads

IntroductionTHE OLDEST HIGHWAY across the Pacific is perhaps as old as the planet. A jet stream circles the Pacific Rim. The amazing godwit hurtles...

More from this edition

Emily presents

FictionMEG IS ALLOWED onto the tarmac to watch the unloading. It is a vast, empty space at this time of night, except for the...

Moonwalking

Non-fictionThe first woman on the Moon will have to think carefully about her first words, as they will resonate for generations into the future. Neil Armstrong chose his famous ‘one giant leap’ line himself; but in this case, knowing what’s at stake, there’s bound to be a committee who gives this long and considered thought.

Americano Sal

FictionIt was always busy there in Palermo. During a snow shower I’d sit in the cafés, small corner net connections. Sometimes the weather was a little heavy – I’d kick my boots clean of ice at the entrance, umbrella heavy with sleet. The man you paid to use the internet would be singing in Farsi; a woman would speak in hushed tones in the cubicle. Sometimes not so hushed. Talking to her family on the other side of the world. Where maybe it was snowing, too. And together they could listen to each other. Together in the snow they could talk.

Stay up to date with the latest, news, articles and special offers from Griffith Review.