Reflections of a Man's Heart

Did you see in the shadowy woods

a branch grew, leaves came out

of a girl's pliant extended arms

and quickly became a tree?

Did you see?

A youth stood by the tree,

took off his deep blue coat,

and in a moment became a dove?

 

(The telephone keeps ringing, ringing.

   Nobody answers, nobody is there, today is

   Sunday)

 

When the lights go on on the suburban trains,

People come back to their office buildings

wearing the face of human beings.

 

Haven't you heard the story?

In the nearby meadow,

one or two unknown horses have lingered on

these days after a holiday.

 

(The telephone keeps ringing, ringing.

   Nobody answers.

   Nobody is there. Eventually, it's Monday)

 

- Shinkawa Kazue