Amy Nawrocki - 'Japanese Lady on a Lacquered Stand'

The transcript explores the inspiration behind a poem about a mysterious Japanese statue in the narrator's home. The statue, a nameless Japanese lady, has been a part of the family for years, yet its origins remain unknown. Various family members have their own theories about how the statue came to be, ranging from a college trip to exaggerated tales of Navy adventures. The narrative delves into the imagined journey of the statue, symbolizing nostalgia and the unknown, while highlighting the cultural and personal significance it holds.

What inspired the narrator to write the poem about the Japanese figurine?

• A family heirloom

• A childhood memory

• A dream about a Japanese lady

• A trip to Japan

Which family member is speculated to have possibly brought the Japanese doll into the house?

• The narrator's uncle who was a carpet trader

• The narrator's father during his Navy adventures

• The narrator's grandmother from her travels

• The narrator's mother during a college trip

What does the narrator suggest about their father's stories of Japan?

• He never actually visited Japan

• He collected Japanese artifacts

• He served in the Japanese Navy

• He had vivid memories of Japan

How is the Japanese doll described in terms of its attire?

• Wearing a modern kimono

• Dressed in Amber Silk with a beige sash

• Clad in a traditional samurai outfit

• Wearing a colorful yukata

What is the imagined journey of the Japanese doll as described by the narrator?

• A struggle across a hopeless ocean

• A peaceful voyage across calm seas

• A walk through bustling city streets

• A flight over snowy mountains