SHIBATA, Toyo


Don’t be discouraged

I underwent hard times.

Hey, don’t sigh over your misfortunes

neither sunshine nor breeze shows partiality.

Everybody can dream equally.

I underwent hard times

but it’s good to be alive.

So don’t be discouraged.


A Secret

You know, I’ve thought

so many times

that I wanted to die.

But I started writing poetry.

And I have been ecouraged

by so many people. So now

I won’t complain anymore.

Even at 98 I love

and I dream

I want to ride on a cloud.


Makeup

When my son was in elementary school

He said his friends told him

Your mom

Is beautiful

He told me

Looking so happy

Since then, I have been

Carefully

Applying my makeup

Even now at 97

Hoping to be praised by someone


My Reply

In my ears the wind

Invited me

In intoxicating tones

"Shall we go now

To the other side?"

So, I

Quickly replied

"I'll stay here

Just a bit longer

There are still some things

Left undone"

The wind

With a pout on her face

Swiftly returned from whence she

came.


///////////////////////


Now I’ve passed 90

Each day is

So precious

The wind that brushes my cheek

A phone call from a friend

The people who come to visit

Each of them in their way

Give me

The strength to live.

Don’t lose heart

Oh, please don’t sigh that you are unhappy.

The sunshine and the breeze will not favour anyone.

Dream scan be dreamed equally.I have seen hard times but I am glad that I am alive.
Don’t you ever lose heart either.