鳥居一頼のこころおきなく英語版

This poem examines the nature of intimidation, contrasting the survival instincts of animals with the exercise of power in human society. Among animals, intimidation serves as a means of self-preservation. In the human world, however, it often becomes a tool of domination, submission, and war. The strong wield fear as a weapon, while the weak are pressured into obedience in order to survive. Yet intimidation does not always achieve submission. Those who are cornered may resist, rising to defend their lives and the people they love. Such resistance can transform conflict into prolonged struggle, bringing immense suffering and loss. Beyond a critique of war, the poem challenges readers to recognize the political manipulation of fear and to question the narratives presented by those in power. Ultimately, it asks how younger generations living in relative peace will learn from a world shaped by threats and coercion, and how they will uphold the ideals of freedom and coexistence.  I...

This poem is a meditation on vanity, power, and the legacy that remains after death. Human beings often seek glory, achievement, recognition, and admiration, hoping that their names will endure. Yet the poem asks whether fame is truly what survives, or whether people are remembered instead for the harm, division, and resentment they leave behind. Through the repeated imperative, “Praise,” the poem presents a figure consumed by self-glorification. However, each stanza concludes by revealing what remains after death—not honor, but disgrace, hatred, ridicule, division, and eventually oblivion. The work thus becomes a sharp satire of ego and power, while reminding readers that a person's legacy is determined not by self-praise but by the memories others carry forward. The final line, “That was all that person was,” strips away every illusion of grandeur and leaves a stark judgment on the limits of human vanity.  Feeding One's Vanity Praise my glory. Praise my achievements. Though...

This poem uses the image of a baton to explore the passing of responsibilities, commitments, and, above all, human connection from one person to another. When entrusted with a new role, people often feel the weight of expectation and wonder whether they can live up to those who came before them. The burden of responsibility can seem overwhelming. Yet the poem suggests that the true meaning of the baton lies not in its weight, but in its warmth. What is inherited is more than a task or a duty. It is the care, dedication, and human spirit invested by those who carried the baton before. The recipient is not expected to become a copy of their predecessor; rather, they are encouraged to carry the shared purpose forward in their own way. The poem is a gentle reflection on succession, community, and the enduring warmth that binds people together across generations.  What Is Placed Within the Baton A baton is placed in your hand. What do you feel? In the role entrusted to you, you...

This poem is a lyrical exploration of the emotional turbulence and uncertainty that accompany falling in love. Through the repeated question, “Why does the heart...?”, the poet captures the many contradictions of romantic longing. Love resists logic. One cannot fully explain why a particular person captures the heart. Courage falters, anxiety grows, hope flickers, and emotions swing between anticipation and hesitation. The beloved becomes both a source of joy and a cause of suffering. The poem portrays love not merely as sweetness, but also as a kind of affliction. Feelings of restlessness, exhaustion, worry, and indecision appear throughout, suggesting that love unsettles the mind as much as it delights it. Yet in the final stanza, the poet arrives at a simple truth: the heart is drawn toward one unique person. In this sense, love reveals both the vulnerability and the wonder of being human. Love's Affliction Why was my heart drawn to you? Lacking the courage to confess my ...

This poem offers a philosophical meditation on the relationship between justice and goodness—two concepts that are often linked, yet fundamentally distinct. Justice is frequently treated as an absolute virtue. Yet history shows that victors often define justice, laws do not always guarantee fairness, and lofty causes can be used to justify cruelty. The poem challenges these assumptions by exposing the fragile and sometimes contradictory nature of justice. In contrast, goodness is presented as a moral compass rooted in human dignity and ethical concern for others. If justice seeks to regulate society, goodness seeks to preserve humanity itself. Rather than rejecting justice, the poem asks what becomes of justice when it is separated from goodness, inviting readers to reflect on the ethical foundations of human society. Goodness and Justice Is the pursuit of justice an act of goodness? No. The one who triumphs is declared just. The defeated are transformed into the embodiment ...

  This poem reflects on the many choices a person makes throughout life and explores how those decisions shape one's destiny. The speaker revisits youthful uncertainty, failure, feelings of inadequacy, vanity, and regret. What once seemed like mistakes or sources of pain are revealed, in hindsight, as experiences that fostered growth and resilience. Tracing the struggles of youth, the poem gradually moves toward encounters with love and hope, ultimately recognizing that every choice became part of a journey of self-transformation. Rather than surrendering to fate, the poem celebrates the courage to choose, to accept responsibility, and to become the author of one's own life.  Choosing Resisting the pull of fate, how many choices have I made? Without even understanding what it meant to choose, people simply called it the recklessness of youth. I hesitated. I discovered weakness. I realized my own limitations. It was the moment my future changed. It was the ch...