I wrote "Aki (Autumn)" while I was an exchange student in Japan. Thirty five years later, it was translated into Japanese, and part 2 was added. And then, very recently, while I was worshiping at my church, a bible verse inspired me to write part three.
* * *
This path, covered with fallen leaves
A sparkling pond, jumping koi
The sweet sound of a flute in the distance
Under an old pine tree
Penning Love’s song
When was that day
When the pond turned murky
The pine tree fell
And the sound of the flute ceased
The song floated away with the wind
It’s a long journey
I walk step by step
Searching for the truth
Without end
Going beyond the world
What a long
Solitary pilgrimage
(1972, in Niigata)
A long journey
No signposts in sight
Getting lost, losing patience
Shortcuts, detours, side streets
Still there are roads I must take
(2007, in Marília)
At last, a signpost appears
“Come to me,
All you who are weary and burdened,
And I will give you rest.”*
With no doubt or confusion
I start walking straight ahead
No matter how far I walk, I don’t tire
Even running, I never stumble
With my eyes on the goal
I run in earnest
Guided down a straight path
What a gentle and gradual road!
(2011, in Sao Paulo)
*Matthew 11:28
© 2011 Laura Honda-Hasegawa