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A Souvenir for the Next World

This poem uses the familiar Japanese expression “a souvenir for the next world” as a starting point to reflect on life, death, justice, love, and the bonds that remain after one's passing. What would one bring on the final journey beyond this life? The question begins playfully, yet gradually unfolds into a deeper meditation on what truly matters at the end of a human life.
The opening stanzas are filled with humor and irony, imagining gifts for the rulers of the afterlife and heavenly beings alike. The middle section turns toward questions of justice and moral accountability, wondering how the deeds of the living will be judged. Ultimately, however, the poem settles upon memories of loved ones and heartfelt wishes for those left behind. In doing so, it suggests that the greatest treasures carried beyond death are not possessions, but love, remembrance, and human connection.

 A Souvenir for the Next World

What would make a good souvenir
for the journey beyond?

A bribe for Enma, the judge of hell.

In the underworld, perhaps money talks.

Believing so,

I prepared a large box of sweets.

Yet surely there are those

who would pocket part of it.

Suspicion keeps me awake at night,

and others laugh at my worry.

What would make a good souvenir
for the next world?

Cookies for the angels.

A return gift

for kindness and compassion received.

Into those sweet treats

I would pour my gratitude.

Having tasted both bitterness and sweetness,

I would like to sing

the joy of being human with the angels.

What would make a good souvenir
for the next world?

A record of the downfall

of rotten people.

How will they be judged over there?

I would like to sit in

on the hearings of hell.

Will justice truly be served?

I would enjoy comparing the verdicts

with the data I carry in hand.

What would make a good souvenir
for the next world?

The memories of those I loved.

Love itself cannot be seen,

yet I do not wish to lose

either the memories of loving

or the memories of being loved.

They alone can heal loneliness—

an irreplaceable certainty.

They stand as proof

that I once lived as a human being.

What would make a good souvenir
for the next world?

My lingering feelings

for those I leave behind.

May they live safely.

May they find happiness.

May their dreams come true.

May someone carry my feelings to them.

And may they show me,

through their smiles,

that the sorrows of remembrance

have been gently washed away.

Written on June 7, 2026.

I had never really thought about what kind of souvenir one might take to the next world.

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