Hibakusha

Hibakusha

被爆者

Shöwa era. Hiroshima 1944

The ink has dried

We are bound, you and I,

In blue water colours.

I reflect on when

You last played with my hair.

Dec 25

The snow is unspoilt

Along the path to Mitaki-dera.

You never visit anymore.

One year older then,

Too old to see Kami.

Dec 26

I do not like the look

Of this winter crow.

Do you find me to your liking?

No ochazuke for you!

Unless, it's taken from my mouth.

Dec 27

You blame me

For not lying with you.

All is fair!

It's too early

For cherry blossoms.

Dec 28

Ten thousand Nakajima,

Dragonflies skimming the sea.

How do you live

With your divine wind?

Did Hokusai paint these waves?

Dec 29

A widow smells my hair,

To satisfy her curiosity.

How rare a moment,

To notice her sigh,

While she undresses me.

Dec 30

Being capricious,

I perform a piece of Kabuki

At the year-end party.

Spirit me away, my darling!

I'm blushing, does it show?

Dec 31

Shöwa era. Hiroshima 1945

It is as the black rain

would have me tell it.

Fire stole away poor Chō.

Her beauty was not without

A sense of grandeur.

Jan 1

Yesterday,

A chill overcame me

And ash got everywhere.

Winter crow is impatient

To gouge out my eyes.

Jan 2

I am

Cherry blossom.

Not to be mistaken

For plum blossom.