To old Ryokuhei
still alive after all these tree buds and grass buds
kōshite ikite wa iru ko no me ya kusa no me ya
1937–1938 · Late years at Gochū-an
Sōmokutō · Persimmon Leaves (Kaki no ha)
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A verse addressed to his friend Ryokuhei. To a letter saying, at any rate, I am living like this, the buds of trees and grasses quietly draw near. He does not claim to be living well. Even so, in the budding season, it was always the plants at his feet that affirmed, just as it was, the fact of his being alive.