鳥居一頼のこころおきなく英語版

  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...

  This poem examines the moment when power, violence, deceit, and arrogance reach their extreme limits and confront the boundaries of human conscience. The first section presents a relentless catalogue of moral corruption: greed, lies, oppression, manipulation, cruelty, and the abuse of power. Together, they form a portrait of humanity stripped of ethical restraint. Yet the poem takes a sudden turn in its closing lines. A small child appears, standing before the barrel of a gun. The child represents vulnerability, innocence, and the final test of human morality. The concluding phrase, “And then it was checkmate,” suggests a moment when violence can no longer justify itself, when power encounters a truth it cannot overcome. Though brief, the poem delivers a powerful meditation on the limits of force and the enduring challenge of conscience. Will You Retreat? A loathsome expression. Disordered thoughts. Reckless actions. Mad and unruly emotions. Greed that serves only itsel...

This poem gently portrays the essence of comforting a young child by staying close to their changing emotions. Sadness, anger, frustration, and joy—children express their feelings openly and completely, without concealment. In response, an adult embraces them, speaks softly, and simply remains present. The repeated phrase, “It’s all right,” is not a magical solution to their troubles. Rather, it is an assurance that they are not alone and that their feelings are being held with care. Through these intimate moments, the poem reveals a fundamental truth about human relationships: sometimes comfort comes not from fixing a problem, but from sharing another person's emotional burden with compassion.  Comforting What is making you so sad? You keep crying, your sobs catching in your throat. The little child, eyes full of tears, reaches out for help. A hand rests gently upon trembling shoulders. I hold you close and stroke your back. "It's all right," I whispe...

This poem reflects on the anger, hatred, distrust, and division that seem to permeate contemporary society, while questioning whether any trace of humanity still remains. Reason is overtaken by emotion, disagreement turns into hostility, and power and desire gradually erode human dignity. Confronted with these realities, the speaker struggles to understand the source of deep unease and revulsion. Yet the poem is not merely a lament. The “echo within the heart” that appears in the final lines suggests that reason, compassion, and the possibility of renewal may still survive beneath the noise of hatred and conflict. Even while contemplating an age that feels apocalyptic, the poem leaves room for a fragile but enduring hope in human recovery. Echoes of the Heart Why do we feel irritation? Emotion rises before reason can speak. We tremble before what is grotesque. Shameless self-love inspires only contempt. In corrupted words we witness meanness. Are reckless and self-indulgen...

This poem begins with the reality of Hokkaido’s declining population and expands into a broader reflection on the challenges facing modern society. More than a commentary on demographics, it explores the consequences of population decline: economic stagnation, energy dependence, weakening local governments, labor shortages, political disillusionment, and the erosion of human connections. Rather than lamenting a shrinking society, the poem proposes a new vision: shukujū —a concept of living sustainably within limits while preserving human dignity and mutual support. Ultimately, the poem argues that the future depends not on endless expansion, but on the courage to build a society where people can continue to live together with hope. Hokkaido: 4,985,419 People)  The preliminary results of the 2025 national census. Hokkaido's population has fallen into the four-million range for the first time since 1955. Japan's total population stands at 123.05 million, marking the la...

This poem reflects on what it truly means to “protect” someone, especially a child standing uncertainly in life. It is not only about protecting life itself, but also about safeguarding fragile self-esteem and embracing even the weaknesses that may lead one astray. The poem recognizes that the human heart can harbor hatred, jealousy, shame, and selfishness. Yet rather than rejecting these feelings outright, it suggests that kindness, love, and compassion can guide people back toward trust and connection. At its core, the poem quietly expresses the wish that no one should be left alone, even in their failures. In the end, “protection” becomes the act of preserving one another’s dignity and continuing to live together in mutual care.  What Is It We Protect? I protect the little you. “What is it that I protect?” you ask. Your life. It must never be treated carelessly. Your heart. What is there within it that deserves protection? What about guilt? Would you hesitate?...

This poem reflects on the “shadow” as another self, exploring human existence and the instability of identity. The shadow constantly follows, imitates every movement, and at times seems to reveal a truer self than the speaker’s own conscious identity. As the shadow is described in changing forms—double, incarnation, foolish self, and companion—the poem deepens into a meditation on self-awareness and inner conflict. In the end, the shadow is quietly accepted as a miraculous companion walking alongside one’s life. The poem leaves a lingering question: what does it mean to lose one’s shadow when the light disappears? Shadow Figure It always clings to me, never leaving my side. It mirrors every single movement without fail. As long as light reaches me, it remains beside me. That thing is my shadow figure— my double, proof that I exist. Perhaps that thing is the real me. At times I become a self being manipulated by it. Depending on the light, it sways and distorts m...

This poem celebrates the boundless dreams and fantasies of children, insisting that adults should never crush them with narrow realism. Rather than staying small and practical, children should be free to imagine boldly and joyfully, for imagination itself is the force that opens the future. The poem suggests that dreams are not mere fantasies, but expressions of a deep unconscious desire to change the world. In the end, it gently invites adults to step once more into the innocent world of children’s dreams. Grand Delusions If they are children’s dreams, please do not wake them. If the dreams are tiny and timid, throw them away. At least let dreams grow huge and wildly imagined. If all you do is fuss over little things, then that is the end of it. Children’s dreams should be enormous. Whether they come true or not is beside the point. Because they are dreams, let them be enjoyed freely. Who knows— perhaps something extraordinary might begin. That is why children’...

This poem portrays a deep sense of disgust and helplessness toward a modern society overflowing with violence, hatred, and vulgarity. Even events taking place far away cling to the speaker’s mind, provoking frustration at human cruelty and at the silence surrounding it. The phrases “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” are reexamined here not as wisdom, but as forms of escape and cowardice. In its final line, the poem delivers a harsh insight: when human beings lose reason and ethics, they may become worse than animals.  Are They Monkeys? I rage at scenes of cruelty too horrific to bear. I am tormented by emotions that hold nothing but disgust. Though it happens far away from me, for some reason I cannot reject the reality of it. See nothing— is that merely escape? I am shaken by words so filthy. I spit in contempt at such arrogant vulgarity. Though I will never encounter those people, for some reason I grow restless before a reality I cannot resist...

This poem portrays the quiet richness of sensation and reflection found “along the way.” Pausing, observing, sensing smells, and passing strangers—such small moments gradually create spaces of peace within life. Through the simple act of wandering off the path, the poem gently captures the things we often overlook when we hurry only toward our destinations. Along the Way Along the way, I stop walking. Curiosity awakens within me. Even ordinary scenery begins to draw me in. There is something comforting in the casualness of a detour. Along the way, something catches my eye. Wildflowers bloom modestly, quietly. Are they remnants of regret left behind somewhere? I overlap myself with what slowly withers away. Along the way, an idea suddenly comes. Perhaps it is an escape from the noise of daily life. Trivial fixations call forth reflection. Words begin to move timidly, covering fleeting bubbles that appear and vanish. Along the way, I look up at the sky. The brigh...

This poem portrays the difficulty of human relationships and the loneliness and anxiety hidden behind stubbornness through the repeated phrase “becoming obstinate.” Rather than simply criticizing difficult people, it reveals the human struggle against a reality that no longer bends to one’s will. Aging, isolation, frustration, and the gradual loss of harmony with others quietly emerge throughout the poem.  Becoming Stubborn Becoming stubborn. It is troublesome to deal with them. If you engage with them, it only becomes exhausting. They cling to their pride until someone gives in. Leave them alone, and they sulk. A difficult person. Becoming stubborn. Their narrow-mindedness is tiresome. Trying to persuade them is wasted effort. Their mind knows only how to push their will through. Push back, and they grow even more rigid. A person you want to walk away from. Becoming stubborn. They force their own way. They say whatever comes to mind. Argue with them, ...

This poem uses the motif of the “Seven Deadly Sins” to depict human desire, power, and the violent nature of domination spreading through modern society. Through the recurring symbol of “robes,” negative forces such as arrogance, hatred, recklessness, and greed seep into both individuals and society. The poem expresses a profound sense of crisis toward a world where even confession and morality can become tools of control, while ultimately questioning the very nature of human existence itself. Deeply Sinful (Revised and Expanded Edition) Arrogance walks on, its robes fluttering in the wind. It gives off an indescribable stench. A terror that seduces people into bowing down. A threat that strips away even the will to resist. Subjugation and domination— an incitement that washes minds clean into obedience. Hatred spills out from the robes and sways. It becomes a face of resentment beyond description. An expulsion that inflames hostility through lies. A brutal...

This poem revolves around the single Japanese word nukeru (“to come out,” “to escape,” “to be removed,” “to stand out,” or “to lose”). Through its shifting meanings, the poem explores being cut from competition, breaking free from harmful influences, adapting to city life, repeating failures, releasing anger, and struggling against loneliness. What begins as wordplay gradually reveals the fragility of human pride, emotion, and connection. Escaping / Slipping Away To be cut. Removed. A mistake becomes a fatal wound. My name vanished from the roster. A comeback is difficult. The next chance may never come soon. I watch the fierce competition of professionals. To break away. I refuse a malicious invitation. I escaped the chains called friendship. Retaliation is frightening. I refused to commit the wrong. I protected a conscience that would not be corrupted. To become refined. Dyed in the colors of the city, even my speech pretends to be fashionable. I wanted people to...

This poem explores a way of living through the simple yet profound idea of “finding things amusing.” Beginning with the innocent playfulness of children, it gradually turns toward aging, human relationships, and weariness with society, ultimately arriving at a gentle affirmation: even so, we must continue to live with curiosity and delight. Without being consumed by seriousness, the poem quietly reveals the importance of preserving both playfulness and reflection in life.  Finding Delight A small child plays with pure joy. Wordless voices are enough. How enviable that world where one becomes completely absorbed. Lost in play without a care, those lovable eyes say everything. It is good to delight in things. With a scowling face, nothing inspiring comes forth. Images are sometimes better than words. To solve difficult problems, one must not be bound too tightly. Wandering thoughts can become inspiration. A sudden flash of insight makes the heart dance. It is good ...

This poem repeatedly uses the everyday expression “clogged” or “stuck” to satirically portray distrust and stagnation in education, government, war, and politics. The “blockage” described here is not merely physical—it reflects breakdowns in communication, social connection, and hope for the future. Behind its playful rhythm lies a sharp critique of contemporary society and the anxiety that accompanies it. Clogged Clogged, clogged— what got clogged? Not enough hands for bullying investigations. If they dig deeper, they will surely uncover piles of cases. The city board of education and schools scrape up incidents from the past. What is truly clogged is communication between teachers and children. After ignoring bullying, they now pay the price for avoiding responsibility. Clogged, clogged— trust with the children remains blocked. Clogged, clogged— what got clogged? Not enough naphtha, and they cannot balance the supply. Yet they insist everything should be sufficient. They drift farthe...