The Buddha in the Attic
They took us with groans. They took us with shouts and long-drawn-out moans.
Julie Otsuka • The Buddha in the Attic
ONE DAY, we promised ourselves, we would leave them.
Julie Otsuka • The Buddha in the Attic
“That’s just the way it is,” they said to themselves. And, “So what?” And, “Who cares?” Because they knew that no matter what they did they would never really fit in. We’re just a bunch of Buddhaheads.
Julie Otsuka • The Buddha in the Attic
our husbands had nothing to do with them.
Julie Otsuka • The Buddha in the Attic
And even though we saw the darkness coming we said nothing and let them dream on.
Julie Otsuka • The Buddha in the Attic
for hadn’t we always dreamed of becoming our mother? Wasn’t that all we had ever once wanted to be?)
Julie Otsuka • The Buddha in the Attic
handed their money over to our bosses,
Julie Otsuka • The Buddha in the Attic
because in America you got nothing for free.
Julie Otsuka • The Buddha in the Attic
They took us for granted and assumed we would do for them whatever it was we were told.