At times, the whale’s red blood mingles with the deep blue of the sea; at other times, human blood mixes with the ocean.
To kill a whale is to live with the whale.
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” said Jesus.
This flesh sustains the life of the village.
A ship encircles a colossal life.
A young man, harpoon in hand, dives from the bow into the sea— to gently help the whale close its eyes.
Beyond the Wings
Banknotes show through the butterfly’s wings, but that’s not why they are so thin.
In eyes clouded by greed, small lives go unseen. Those with the authority to snatch the few remaining butterflies with their nets believe they have the right to do as they please with their delicate bodies.
But that is not why the butterfly remains silent. That is not why the butterfly is powerless. That is not why the butterfly approaches humans.
Matagi
In the northern mountains, children of the gods reside.
While town children visit temples and shrines, the divine children meet the king of the mountain.
Somewhere within these mountains, he remains, holding his breath, perhaps watching from behind.
Town children cannot protect their families from the king. The divine children confront the king before the gods, sometimes teaching the bear with a trigger before the king’s steps reach the town children.
To take a life is also to gaze upon a life that might be taken. To connect lives through life is to live together— as beings who inherit the same life, sharing the same gaze upon the mountains.
Humans and bears alike are children of the mountain god.
About the author: Shinsaku Ashida
I am a Japanese poet whose works have been featured in over 120 publications, including newspapers, magazines, literary festivals, and contests across Japan. My poems often explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the human connection to the environment. I am honored to share my poems “With the Whale,” “Beyond the Wings,” and “Matagi” with Trondheim Poesi Café, and I look forward to contributing to the vibrant literary community.
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