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 poem about the Japanese doll?

Describe the significance of the Japanese doll in the narrator's childhood home.

What are some theories about how the Japanese doll came to be in the narrator's home?

What imagery is used to describe the Japanese doll and its surroundings?

How does the poem reflect on the themes of memory and nostalgia?