Reflections in Bonsai: Fifty-Six

1. I am alone, and so I am well.
I am well, yet something is missing!
Solitude... keeps me both content and empty!

2. Even seeing 'Smoking Kills' on the packet,
I had fallen in love with cigarettes.
What a fierce love that was!
It's been nearly three and a half years since I gave up those cigarettes.
And you dare threaten me with sorrow!

3. Whoever I fall in love with leaves me and goes away.
In the end, I fell in love with sorrow itself.

4. Come, let us go to the mountains.
Let us drink tea together while gazing at the hills.
Come, let us take a little respite.

5. There is always someone in this world responsible for our sorrows.
Loving you, I realized—in my case, that person is me!

6. I never chase after anyone
who would become famous if I did.

7. What I needed,
I found nowhere.
What I received,
I put none of it to use.

8. If the sun knew it had to set,
would it still burn so bright?

9. Is water then the most beautiful thing in the world?

10. "Poet, your poetry shimmers with moonlight!"
"Yes, I've been living off that very light!"

A few days later, the poet died of hunger.

11. Mark this well—I write poetry so fine
that even my poverty takes pride in me!

12. Cars or houses—see what children lack for nothing?
Yet once grown up, we must check our pockets even to board a public bus!

13. I implore you with folded hands—forget my birthday if you must.
But do not think it a crime to forget yours.

14. You write, "Good morning!"
While I write, "Waking up, I miss you!"

15. Ah, if only you knew once
what dreams I dream of you!

16. Because I can feel you, I think
I must have done some good in this life!

17. Even after reaching heaven,
surely my deeds won't make you hide your face in shame!?

18. Am I yours or not...? Never!
Do I enjoy being with you...? Yes, certainly!

19. Never seek love to chase away sorrow;
to chase away sorrow, one must befriend sorrow itself.

20. Once I demanded my worth from everyone.
Today I only keep in mind those who can pay my price!