鳥居一頼のこころおきなく英語版

As the third poem in this sequence, this work portrays the grief of a mother who has lost her child to suicide through the powerful image of a “ scab. ” The wound of the heart, repeatedly torn open just as it begins to heal, reflects an ongoing cycle of anguish and lamentation. Grief does not simply fade—it deepens through repeated pain. Yet, over time, the “ scab ” becomes not only a mark of suffering, but also a sign of healing in progress. A heart that once resisted mourning is gradually led toward it, and ultimately toward prayer. This poem quietly reveals the first signs of healing within profound loss.     “ Scab ”   My heart bled. Wounded, wounding, I clawed at it. A cry of anguish— a hellish wail that refuses to mourn.   I peel away the fragile scab. It forms, and I tear it off again. Again and again it is stripped away. A fierce struggle— each act of mourning dries the heart, a hellish wail.   I cry out against mercil...

This poem portrays the inner struggle and path toward healing of a mother who has lost her child to suicide. As a continuation of (1745) “ A Heart-Torn Grief, ” it traces the journey from overwhelming shock and self-blame to despair, and ultimately toward a prayer for the salvation of the soul. Though crushed by an irreversible reality, the mother continues to seek a place where her child ’ s soul might reside. Even after the physical existence is gone, can the bond between mother and child endure as something spiritual? This poem quietly resonates with that question and longing.   “ To the Place Where the Soul Dwells ”   The shock far exceeded all imagination. All I could do was wail in grief. I could not save the child possessed by a deathly shadow. I struck my bursting chest again and again. Let it be a dream, I sobbed— but cruel reality froze time.   Regret took hold with relentless force. There must have been something I could have done. Wh...

This poem portrays the “ heart-wrenching grief ” of a mother who has lost her child to suicide. Through stark and restrained language, it expresses a depth of sorrow that words can scarcely contain. It raises questions about healing, loss, and the possibility of salvation, while presenting a moment in which time itself seems to have stopped. The mother remains in inescapable grief, while the child ’ s future has been abruptly closed. Confronting a reality that resists expression, the poem quietly asks how deeply human beings can suffer.   “ A Heart-Torn Grief ”   A mother who lost her child to suicide— her suffering writhes in a pain that tears the gut apart.   Will the mother ever be freed from this pain? Will a day come when she can heal from the loss? Will the souls of mother and child find salvation?   In the moment when time stopped, the mother remains in inescapable grief, the child closed off the future.   Written on March...

This poem explores the spontaneous urges that surge from within—those moments when one feels an uncontrollable desire “ to do something. ” Through impulses such as shouting, singing, seeking others, feeling anger, speaking, or falling silent, the poem reveals the vivid sense of being alive. Each of these urges is not merely a passing whim, but is deeply connected to life and death, to relationships with others, and to inner conflicts. By questioning the meaning behind these irresistible impulses, the poem brings into focus the very essence of what it means to live.     “ An Irresistible Urge ”   An urge to shout— is it a fierce resistance to death?   An urge to sing— is it a deep longing for life?   An urge to seek others— is it a desire for coexistence?   An urge to run— is it an impulse toward movement?   An urge to feel anger— is it fury born of failure?   An urge to give up— is it rebellion against frus...

This poem addresses all adults who stand beside children, questioning their attitude and sense of commitment. To be with a child—to guide, to teach, to love, to walk alongside, and to learn together—is not merely a role, but a reflection of one ’ s way of being as a human being. Facing children also means confronting one ’ s own immaturity and mistakes, while embracing unconditional love and responsibility. The poem quietly speaks of both the difficulty and the joy of living alongside children, and the profound dignity found in that relationship.     “ To Those Who Stand Beside Children ”   To those who stand beside children— do you have the resolve for all that you give, seen and unseen?   To those who counsel children— do you know the hardship when your words fail to reach their hearts?   To those who guide children— do you trust yourself in what you speak as truth?   To those turned away by children— do you repent your f...

This poem, “ A Child ’ s Plea, ” sharply portrays the inner struggles of children who cannot raise their voices amid bullying, as well as the failures of adults and educational systems to truly listen. It conveys, with urgency and poignancy, the importance of hearing faint, unspoken cries—and the potential for writing to become a path toward relief and change.     A Child ’ s Plea   Have you ever truly listened to a child ’ s voice? Have you heard a faint voice, almost fading away? Have you noticed the silent cry in their eyes, as if trying to say something? Have you ever asked, only to be told “ it ’ s nothing, ” and let it pass?   Children blame themselves even when they are bullied. They carry their anxiety alone and suffer. They shrink in fear, unable to speak. They remain silent, unable to tell parents or teachers.   They cannot tell teachers for fear of being called a snitch. Even if they speak, they are dismissed as “ not b...

This poem, “ On Continuing to Learn, ” reflects on the value of sustaining a learning mindset while wavering between what can and cannot be known. It expresses, in both introspective and powerful language, how learning nurtures the self, connects us with others, and drives personal transformation.     On Continuing to Learn One must not remain ignorant, yet it is impossible to know everything. Still, I want to keep the desire to learn.   No matter how much I struggle, there are things I cannot know. Yet I cannot extinguish the wish to understand. At least, I want to keep the humility to learn.   To continue learning— a learning heart nurtures me, the will to learn strengthens me, what I learn protects me, opportunities to learn cultivate me.   To continue learning together— encounters through learning enrich me, shared knowledge inspires me, companions in learning guide me toward conviction.   To continue learning fu...

This poem, “ Where I Seek ” , portrays the inner process of confronting hesitation, stagnation, and the fundamental question of “ why we write. ” It quietly yet candidly expresses the emotional fluctuations that emerge precisely within moments of uncertainty and inability to put thoughts into words.     Where I Seek   I wrote the words, “ Where I seek, ” and then five hours passed. Even what I meant to write became vague.   I couldn ’ t write yesterday either. I didn ’ t feel like writing at all. If I forced the words out, they felt like lies.   It wasn ’ t that I kept writing out of obligation. I simply left themes untouched as they came to mind. No one blamed me for it.   I continued writing freely, as I pleased. My heart moved, and words ran forth. Within my thoughts, words played.   Now, I am experiencing a feeling for the first time. I kept asking myself over and over what I should write. And repeatedly...

This poem reflects on one ’ s approach to work and emphasizes the fundamental role of respect. Work is not merely a series of tasks, but a process refined through identifying challenges, forming concepts, preparing, examining, and executing. As the poem carefully traces each step, it ultimately reveals that the core of all preparation lies in respect for others. No matter how thorough the preparation may be, without respect at its center, its essence is lost. The poem quietly reminds us that work is an act of engaging with others, and its true quality is determined by the respect embedded in its preparation.   “ Preparation Is an Expression of Respect ”   Accept the work. What is being asked of you? Clarify the challenge and build a vision.   Recall the work. What does it mean to tell a story? Shape a flow that stands out.   Begin the work. What must not be missed? Start constructing the program.   Refine the work. What is expec...

This poem portrays an inner journey of reflection and transformation that emerges through confronting one ’ s “ challenges. ” It begins with a state of inaction, where excuses prevent movement, but gradually shifts toward self-awareness—the realization that the problem lies within oneself. By taking small steps, connections with others are formed, and change begins to take shape. The poem suggests that challenges are not merely obstacles, but forces that connect people and carry momentum forward. It ultimately conveys hope that personal awakening can grow into collective action and be passed on to the next generation   “ Onward ”   The challenge became visible. I remained still. Nothing would change— that ’ s what I believed.   I left the challenge unattended. Connections grew thin. I wanted to change something— that ’ s what I felt.   The challenge was within myself. I had been avoiding what I should do. I wanted something to change—...

This poem serves as a stark warning about the crisis of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism. It begins with the words of Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War: “ The danger is from within us. ” From this point, the poem explores the fragility of modern democratic systems and how societies collapse from within rather than from external enemies. It questions how indifference and conformity among ordinary people can lead to destruction and war, ultimately culminating in a fundamental moral outcry: “ Do not kill! ”   The Danger Lies Within Us …   During the American Civil War, 28-year-old Abraham Lincoln sounded a warning: “ The danger is from within us. ”   According to a report by the Swedish research institute V-Dem, there were 89 democratic countries in 2021, while authoritarian states such as China and Russia numbered 90, nearly equal. Yet those states account for 70% of the world ’ s population.   Arrogant leaders stru...

This poem portrays the process by which the world becomes captivated and ultimately consumed by a single “ man, ” who serves as a symbol of destructive power. Acting as a strong leader, he spreads falsehoods, self-righteousness, discrimination, and hostility. The world follows, fears, and eventually falls silent before him. Democracy itself is undermined, and society descends into confusion and violence. The poem warns of the dangers of blind obedience to power and how indifference and passivity can turn a nightmare into reality.   “ The Nightmare Returns ”   The world was shaken— the rules were the man himself.   The world followed— a man who even used his enemies.   The world approved— a man who played the role of a strong leader.   He permeated the world— it was the man who spread falsehoods.   The world feared him— a man who flaunted his self-righteousness.   The world fell silent— it was the eloquent man wh...

This poem reflects on the spreading chain of hatred that grows in a world unable to stop brutal wars. Even when the battlefield lies far away, distorted information, irresponsible rhetoric, and the tendency to speak of war as if it were a game intensify anger, disgust, and helplessness within people ’ s hearts. The poem questions not only political leaders but also societies that tolerate such realities or remain indifferent to them. It calls on readers not to turn away from reality, to confront the roots of anger and hatred, and to resist being carried along by manipulated narratives. Ultimately, it stands as a warning against the cowardice of indifference.     “ The Proliferation of Hatred ”   People unable to stop a brutal war— for some reason, we feel anger even greater than toward the leaders who began it.   Resentment rises toward countless strangers we will never meet. For some reason, an unforgivable hatred emerges.   People who s...

This poem questions the difficulty and necessity of discerning the true essence behind events shaped by power and society. Without deep knowledge and insight, people can easily be deceived, and even those who possess understanding may overlook the truth. Power often sustains itself by concealing, distorting, and embellishing reality. Within such structures, those who blindly conform fall into corruption, while those who seek truth face criticism and repression. Yet it is precisely the act of questioning and resisting that brings society forward and opens the path toward genuine well-being. The poem calls for vigilance in recognizing the distorted nature of power.   “ Overlooking the Essence ”   To discern the true essence of things requires deep knowledge and insight.   Without them, one is deceived. Even with them, one may overlook. Even when capable, one struggles to understand.   For some reason, power excels at concealment, and those who c...

This poem sharply questions those who initiate wars yet fail to take responsibility for the consequences. It portrays how reckless decisions by those in power, combined with intrigue and ambition, escalate conflicts under the banners of national prestige and political justification. Within the shifting tensions of the Middle East and international politics, it is always soldiers and civilians who bear the cost of war, while deception and desire operate behind the scenes. The poem challenges those who support such wars to confront their own sense of ethics and asks who will raise the voices of anti-war, nonviolence, and peace. It is a powerful indictment of the dangers of loyalty to irresponsible power.     “ Those Who Cannot Clean Up the Mess ”   Those who caused the trouble themselves cannot clean up the mess.   When it becomes too much to handle, they push the responsibility onto others. They rarely consider the harm they cause.   Even wh...

This poem gently reflects on the idea that true happiness is born through human connection. Even while facing a world filled with war and sorrow, people can still create hope by sharing their thoughts, music, and moments together. Gathering with friends, enjoying music, and celebrating food and those who produce it become simple yet meaningful expressions of life. By returning kindness to society and remaining mindful of others, these precious values can be passed on to the next generation. The poem expresses the belief that happiness is not something to keep for oneself alone, but something to share and nurture together.     “ Sharing the Love of Happiness ”   Enduring happiness is brought by people.   Live with dignity. Savor the happiness of this moment.   Children ’ s lives are taken so fleetingly within the dreadful crucible of war ’ s sorrow.   Let us play hope in sound and paint it into being.   Surrounded by people...

This poem portrays the inner stirrings of a person who has lived by simply letting life carry them along. Within days shaped by the expectations of society and the influence of others, a question suddenly arises: What is this current that carries me? Alongside the feeling of helplessness in not being able to resist the flow, a quiet resistance begins to emerge. Eventually, a new awareness appears—the desire at least to know where this current is leading. The poem reflects the moment when one begins to question a life of mere acceptance and starts to look again at one ’ s own way of living.     “ Letting Myself Drift with the Current ”   To live as the current carries me.   I had no choice but to entrust myself to the flow. I could not go against it.   I had no choice but to leave myself to wherever it drifted. I had no choice but to entrust myself to where it would carry me.   Wherever I was swept away, I could only resign my...

This poem questions the cruelty and futility of war from the perspective of soldiers who lose their lives on the front lines. Beneath the banners of national causes and commands from authority lie sacrifices that often lead only to disappointment and unfulfilled objectives. In the poem, the “ dead ” themselves speak, revealing the stark reality of war and the emptiness of giving one ’ s life for a meaningless struggle. It also reflects on the consequences of authoritarian power that intensifies repression, and on how the grief of ordinary people may one day become the force that transforms society.   “ Repression or Collapse ”   Who holds the choice? Soldiers on the battlefield struggle in defeat and lose their lives.   The dead speak.   Beyond the life-and-death struggle lie deep disappointment and fierce anger. The despair of defeat— having failed to accomplish the mission even at the risk of life. The bitter shame of seeing one ’ s hon...

This poem portrays a human life sustained by encounters with others—the warmth of guidance, protection, and compassion—yet ultimately lived as one ’ s own existence. Even when we are supported by the gaze and care of others, the passing of time and the final parting from life are experiences that no one can face on our behalf. While surrendering gently to the flow of time, the poem expresses a quiet determination to preserve one ’ s own will until the very end. The title, “ And Yet, I Am, ” symbolizes the dignity of living as oneself even while being sustained by others.   “ And Yet, I Am ”   I felt the sharpness of someone ’ s gaze. I was pierced by someone ’ s eyes. Someone cast a gentle light.   Someone guided me. There was a self set free. It was someone ’ s embrace. There was a self held within it. It was someone ’ s warmth. There was a self at peace.   Entrusting myself to the flow of time, not resisting the passage of time, I...

This poem gently expresses a quiet determination to grow older without allowing the heart to age. While acknowledging the physical changes that come with time, it speaks of the sustaining power of gratitude toward family, love for children and grandchildren, compassion for society, and a continuing desire to learn. Aging is not only decline but also a time to savor the richness of life more deeply. Within the calm rhythms of everyday life, the poem conveys the wish to keep the spirit youthful while moving forward through the later seasons of life. “ A Heart That Does Not Grow Old ”   A life that keeps walking without stopping. Being healthy brought joy to my daughters as well. I see the signs of age, resisting them yet accepting them.   There are moments when the body ’ s changes feel frustrating. From here on, I want to live happily with my family. Caring for one another, living modestly— I want to live without letting my heart grow old.   The m...