Progression of Symptoms II

March 15th

A sleepless night, a restless night
I woke up breathless to find
Only one hour had past.
I took a deep breath and
Still felt breathless.
I took another deep breath
Another and then another.

The earthquake is chasing after me.
The monster swelling up black and large, faster and faster.
I broke out in a night sweat.  These days
I dream only a dream of requiem.

Mari is giving me a foot massage.
It feels so good.  My skin without muscle tone is delighted.
From her hands love flows in.
I had a stinging sensation deep inside the nose.
Why I feel like crying when I feel love.

We chatted about this and that, and important things.
She cooked breakfast and helped me to take a shower.
Fried rice and Chinese soup.
I felt I can start my day.

11:30 am
The housekeeper Ms. Moriwaki came.
She did laundry and cleaning for me
Always smiling.

12:00 pm, my caseworker Kikuchi came.
He arranged care providers to visit every day.
We have to change the disability grade.
Nurse's home visit is arranged.
My condition has progressed so.

Soon, Naoko ma came
With a lunch box.
There could be radiation outside from the nuclear plant.
When you see me, you cry, and when you leave, you cry.
Our friendship has been deepened.
It's been 10 years.

Bob called
Sleepy voice.
Isn't it midnight there
in Rochester?
Midnight conversation and Midday conversation started between former wife and husband.

Bob researched about fukushima nuclear power.
Yes, it's your speciality.
I've forgotten about it.
He gave me advice about wind direction and clothing.
Again and again.

It's same as it was, the tone of your voice.
It brought back memories.
We searched for words, and we found, "Talk to you tomorrow."
My heart felt warm.
We live in the past.

4:00pm
Kochi came
In a suit.
She looked different from weekends.
She looked like a big sister, a business woman.
In the kitchen, she is talking on a cell phone,
Reliable and decisive.
I envy you, you can work.

The dinner.
Potato salad with the potato my sister grew.
My Sis' potato is yummy
It taste even better with fish roe.

I'll call Sis tomorrow.
She is taking care of our home.
The home I will come home to some day.
I'll pray for peaceful Japan.
We will build peaceful Japan.

Poem by Maria Franki

Edited and translated by J. Ujiie

©2011