KEIKO KOMA net

6 Sep. 2010

At a lake side

Full of ancient aroma,
The same view must have been seen in a remote past at this lake side
Through tears that came up in my eyes
As my heart recalled the day of separation
That happened in ancient times.
They wished to live all together forever
Always to walk along the lake side all together.
But this was nothing but a dream and all of a sudden
Darkness had destroyed and overshadowed their sincere wishes.
Only the aroma of the lake was hovering on the surface of the water
Carried by winds
As if nothing had happened.
People’s wishes to see each other again had totally vanished.
On a summer day’s sunset,
They were separated from each other.
How have I remembered this?
Their deepest wishes were hidden in the depth of their hearts.
However, this aroma of lake was reviving their hearts and dreams
This was a very familiar aroma full of nostalgia.
I could not resist expressing my sincere heart to see them again.
My dearest people and fellows.
Now and here.

I created this poem when I gave a lecture event this June at a hall facing Lake Biwako where I used to visit in my teens. As I opened a window the marvelous view was wide open before my eyes that made me recall many things and showed me what I called the light-scape of a summer day in ancient times. An ancient aroma made me hear voices of souls that have been waiting to encounter us.