We navigated the backstreets 

of Nagoya

to find a gluten free restaurant.

Simple decor

But the welcome

was so warm, so homely.

The toddler greeted us

by giving out decorative umbrellas 

before drawing on the back

of another seat in texta.

She then crouched like a sumo

and pretended to whack 

herself on the head

with the pens in her hands!

The rest of the time

she was charming all and sundry

with a winning smile.

The two men sitting

in the corner:

One middle aged

the other one older

‘former baseball player

for Japan’

we’re told.

Both eat their meals 

a nd indulge the toddler

as she continues 

to dole out umbrellas.

The food is simple, tasty and wholesome.

The two women running

the restaurant 

did a marvellous job.

And while none of us

spoke the other’s language 

much good will was communicated.

In this foreign place

where I’d never been before 

there was warmth,

heart, soul and humanity.

A place where 

All can belong.