Poetry by Toyo Suyemoto (1916-2003)

[theswordmaiden]

From her journal/autobiography, I Call to Remembrance.

I explored his mind,--
A pleasant hallway that reached,
At last, a closed room.

The bright moon followed,
But my shadow walked ahead:
I hurried between.

Death held one hand, I
Her other; then gently she
Drew her hand from mine.

One last rose in bloom--
Strange how it brings all of June
Into this small room.

How perfect the rose
Bowing in final, fragrant
Gesture to autumn.

This spring moment time
Has placed in my hands is mine--
But not forever.

Mortality stares
At me steadily -- I smile
And return that gaze.

The soft scent of peach
Follows after the rain --
My heart is shaken.

Look at these petals
I gathered from the peach tree,
Few moments of spring.

I grasp selfishly
At these delicate moments
Against later loss.