鳥居一頼のこころおきなく英語版

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...

This poem entrusts its final hope to the phrase “live as your heart desires,” even while standing amid failure, suffering, and self-denial. It portrays an inner voice that, despite wounds, confusion, and despair, still refuses to abandon life and struggles to affirm one’s own existence. Words can become madness at times, and at other times they can shine like light—the poem quietly questions both their danger and their power to heal. Live as Your Heart Desires Live as your heart desires. Can words sometimes sustain life? Judgment collapses under bitter anguish. The shock of crashing against the wall of failure. The unbearable humiliation of being mocked. Confidence lost and never regained. A presence neglected and ignored. A small pride looked down upon. The crumbling of self-respect and the chain of self-denial. Live as your heart desires. Can words sometimes become madness? One can only struggle against a fate that twists and overturns endlessly. There is no need to ra...

This poem portrays the anxieties of aging and daily life through the very ordinary subject of a toilet. It quietly questions the fragility of a modern society dependent on convenience, while revealing how deeply the security of bodily functions is tied to human dignity for the elderly. Beginning with the frustration of waiting for repairs, the poem gradually expands into a critique of consumerism and a disposable civilization, reflecting the poet’s distinctive social perspective. Waiting The toilet broke down. There was no repair part available, so it had to be ordered from the manufacturer. Even after a week, it still had not arrived. Even shipments from the mainland usually come in two or three days. What an astonishingly sluggish response. One of the three comforts— eating well, sleeping well, and relieving oneself well—falls apart. When one collapses, the other two are shaken as well. For the elderly, harsh trials continue. Fear of accidents discourages going outside....

Honesty is often regarded as a virtue. Yet when one truly tries to be honest, one is forced to confront personal weakness, limitation, self-preservation, deception, and imperfection. This poem quietly reflects on the possibility that honesty is not merely goodness itself, but rather a mirror that reveals what it means to be human. “Becoming Honest” If one becomes honest, one cannot move forward so easily. For people are not truly that strong; they merely recoil before their own weakness. If one becomes honest, one cannot help but hesitate. For people are not truly that wise; their talents alone are never enough. If one becomes honest, one can only avert one’s eyes. For people are not so selfless; their concern simply fades away. If one becomes honest, one can only feel pity. For people are not truly that kind; they merely doubt their own goodwill. If one becomes honest, one can only admit the truth. For people are not truly that beautiful; they merely hang their heads...

This poem examines the unsettling nature of “righteousness” drifting through society, politics, and the information sphere. It conveys distrust and warning toward an era in which injustice and deception are cleverly justified under the banners of justice and morality. Through reflections on social media, manipulated public opinion, conformity, and silence, the poem ultimately seeks to preserve faith in conscience and human ethics. The Suspicion Behind Righteousness A strange ability to endure the torment of conscience. Once believed righteous, even wrongdoing becomes “justice.” Though stained by corruption, they still insist they are right. The axis of ethics begins to warp. They forcefully claim it is merely a difference in interpretation. Calmly dismiss it as only a difference in values. Wrongdoing is sealed away by sophistry. Ethics gradually distorts faith itself. Hostile forces are struck down without mercy. SNS, LINE, and YouTube are all mobilized. Even when accused...