Bob

May 1st


Sis Kyoko, an early riser,
Went out for a walk
Around Azabu-Juban


A night owl and late riser
I slept in
Feeling sluggish from lack of sleep


Last night…with Sis
It turned into a slumber party, we chitchatted
Our hometown, flowers, and my trip to America
Sis is just as romantic as I am.


I had broccoli rabe Mari prepared for me
With eggs for breakfast
Seasoned with her friendship.


A home helper
Cleaned up the wash stand in the powder room
Spick and span


If I were, if I were in good health
I would give a through cleaning
The windows open
Cut flowers in a vase
Crystal figures radiant in the window


13:24
Bob
Ex-husband.
Called.


Bob’s children
Home schooling
He broke the ice.
They don’t go to school
Instead they study at home.


Zen Dharma talk
He listened to
At Rochester Zen Center


Gradually
He got to the point
“Well…”
Bob asked
how my body was
How my mind was
What I had in the fridge.


My heart burst
All choked up
I felt a burning sensation back in the nose.
I tried not to cry
I tried hard and still
I could not hold back
My tears.


Even though you can’t raise your left arm
Even though you can’t shampoo your hair
So long as you are you
I treasure just the way you are today.


Touched by your tender heart
Joy of the first day of May


“See you,” I put down the phone.
Sis Kyoko said,
“I am happy you got a call from Bob,”
She spoke for me.


The sun is setting already.
Time slides
Days slide downhill
Gathering speed.


Breaded pork cutlet
Bamboo shoot with bonito flakes
Miso soup with spinach and onion
Cucumber pickled in miso
Let’s eat.


Having watched me eat
Sis Kyoko left.


I tried not to cry
I tried hard and still
It was sad to say goodbye
I’m not used to
Things like this.


A silent night
It’s better to go to bed early
at such a night.


Tomorrow is a new day,
You know what they say.


Goodnight
The round earth
May it turn in the direction of peace.

Poem by Maria Franki

Edited and translated by J.Ujiie

© 2011