Tightrope

March 10th

The housekeeper came.
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living room
She vacuums and cleans.
I'm so happy.

She warmed milk for me. Thank you.
I can not even have meals without assistance.
Every day is on a tightrope of life.

I used to walk on a tight rope of love.
Today I can't love without eating.
The life is a balancing act.
Somebody said it would be break even at the end of the day.

The housekeeper left.
Alone in my apartment.
It's so quiet.

When I was young
When I believed my life would go on forever,
I thought quietness and silence was cool.

Now...
I am not into quietness.
Quietness makes me think about the death.
It must be quiet "there."
Rest in peace, they say.

I beg the time not to come yet.
I don't want to die.

7 hours of silence.
I type on keyboard.

6:30
KP came
He installed a flat panel TV for me.
I'm impressed.  He can do anything.

We went out for dinner to the usual Korean restaurant.
Let's order something different today.
Yes, we'll do so.
Bibimbap to share
It's delicious.
Next time we will get two orders.
Yes, we'll do so.

The starless night.
The wind was cold.
I want to walk side by side
Not front and back
Do you hear me?
You are pushing the wheelchair.

2:00 am.
Silence fell again.
Bearing the fate of immobile body
From yesterday to today, and tomorrow
I walk on a tightrope of life.

Poem by Maria Franki

Edited and translated by J. Ujiie

©2011