Bonsai of Thought: Forty-Nine

1. I never thought I'd have to have someone.
Never thought about how one gets someone either.
Now, having seen you, I wonder—
how does one keep you?

2. There were many in this life,
but this is the first time I've kept someone in my heart.
Do you have your answer now?

3. Come, let's not stretch words.
Come, let me love today.
Come, let's accept defeat.
Life is too small for winning!

4. Your laughter keeps me alive.
That's why I never make you cry, even by mistake!
Who doesn't want to live, tell me?

5. Whenever I see you or think of you,
rather than wondering what you gave me,
I find more peace thinking about what I gave you!

6. However good I am as a person,
I practice being even better than that.

7. I remain trapped in a kind of tenderness!
Even toward those who wish me ill, I cannot wish them ill.
There's so much work to be done!

8. What you must do anyway,
you're asking the mirror's permission to do!
How much longer this mirror-life!

9. Friend, if you're so desperate to prove me guilty,
at least end the friendship first!

10. Why do you insist on hearing it from my lips?
Can't you read the language of eyes?
Or must I lie to you today?

11. Don't stay silent anymore.
Every word of your silence—I've finished reading them all today.
Find another refuge if you can.

12. Why must I account for each of your silences?
Why does each word I speak seem like an excuse to you?
This too is called love!

13. In great need, I went to market to sell some of your tears.
Everyone said they didn't have money to buy such cheap things!

14. You are that book in my life—
what I understood while reading, I've forgotten it all;
what I took in joy, I remember it all.

15. People give everything to sweet-tongued deceivers,
give nothing even to plain-spoken friends.

16. About your destiny, you could lecture all day if you wanted,
but you could never change destiny!
One can change one's intentions, not one's destiny.

17. I know you're very religious!
This habit of hurting so much—is this too your religious practice?

18. As a traveler seeking shelter in a house,
I ended up staying in that very house for the rest of my life!

19. Every face is different, after all!
Then why do I see you in everyone's face?

20. The place where we first met—
even today, passing by that spot, I catch the scent of your neck!