Dissolving

Muted light dissolving the night of dreams.

Through the panes, my panes, I see

Trees’ breath is misting the air

With hues of frosty white.

Our pond mirrors a face of solitude.

Wings throb the open sky,

Throbbing against my breast,

Echoing hollow in crispy air.

Scent of silence

Scent of memories

Here, inside,

A desire deep is veiled

Seen only with eyes closed

Still alive in my nightly canopy of misty dreams.

I cast around for your tender smile

On my cheek yet distant, wafting in a celestial mind.

Scent of love

Scent of you

Entwine your mind with mine

Bring me a glowing pearl of your warmth

That I may wait for you

Please.

Always, here…

My lips smile at the sky

Knowing,

Praying you feel my love

In that pale morning light.

Scent of desire

Scent of a dream

I shimmer

In my pain

Waiting…

---

                     Fumie Fukuda, trans. George Opacic

Fumie had been a student who came from Japan to work through things that were troubling her. She had written this poem and others in Japanese using a particular form. While I knew some Japanese, we could never quite get the translation to the point where it had the power of the original. Fumie went back not long after competing her studies. I hope she has found peace. Not sure.

I recently had time to revisit the poem. This is as close as I can get to her intentions.

The river of time wears away who we were then.