My Trash, My Responsibility

I have not visited Japan,

but I have heard,

of its squeaky cleanliness.

This beautiful trait

is ingrained in the public mindset —

it's now their culture.

They have no trash bins

in public places, I read.

It is strange but has a reason.

An unfortunate sarin gas incident,

led to removal of the trash bins.

So, a tourist ask,

“Where do I dispose my trash?”

Locals say,

“Carry it until you reach home.”

I read this in a Kindle book,

and as usual, shared the wisdom,

with my little daughter.

The next day, in her tiffin box

I found banana peel

and orange rinds.

“My trash is my responsibility,”

she said.

“Plus, it will be yummy food

for our backyard plants.”

I hugged her

for sharing her mommy’s ethics.