日本のために・・・ For Japan

I have so little to offer in these moments. It’s maddening. I feel stretched so thin emotionally and I fear if I don’t find a release, I’ll dissolve completely.

Poetry, despite my lack of talent, has always been an escape for me. Words mean nothing in times like these but perhaps I will sleep a little longer tonight with my heart poured out into my hand. This post is more for myself than anyone else but I thought I would share.

日本のために　For Japan

In this far,
far East
the mourning comes quietly.
The Land
trembles with our flooded
hearts.
The Rising Sun
splits
the blackest hours.

We are in morning now.
おはようございます。Ohayou gozaimasu*
to another day.

The waking from dreams
furthers the nightmare.
We long for a lullaby
as the sirens stir us from sleep.

The ocean has no bounds.
Trespassing into homes,
into families,
into bodies.
Its water spills down my cheeks.
しょっぱい。Shoppai.**

The earth breaks.
More fragile than our hearts.
Hope is not uprooted
as the tender trees.
Love is not buried alive.
絶対諦めない。Zettai akiramenai.***

Translation Notes

* ohayo gozaimasu – good morning

** Shoppai – salty

*** Zettai akiramenai – Never give up