Water Bearer
The water buckets full and splashing wide!
Hopeful feelings — delicate inside,
Provision for a family quickly growing,
Sustenance this daily walk bestowing.
Through the town and down unto the river,
Always a delight, a gleeful giver,
Buckets dipped into the rushing water,
Carried to my husband and my daughter.
On the road in Fukuoka wending,
Along the bright Mikasa River bending,
Past the ox and animals in pens,
The sun aloft in watch — a yellow lens.
I am pregnant with another baby!
Another girl? Or little brother maybe?
My husband is a goodly man and clever,
To him I cleave with joy and fondly tether.
On this day, I walk in gladness, pacing,
Musings on the future softly racing,
The gentle touch of morning sent to woo me,
The Rose of Sharon shining in her beauty!
Back at home the dumplings wait for cooking,
As I survey my city, fondly looking,
Waking through the happy halls of summer,
The family awaiting a newcomer.
I can see the heron and the sparrow,
I love them dearly, to my very marrow,
The blue rock thrush and cormorant together,
Lovely in this amicable weather.
I hum the tune I learnt while at the school,
My lust for life — I’m but a golden fool!
Paradise is simple as this setting,
Never once the Shinto gods forgetting.
Ukemochi strong and Omoikane,
Praise to them, in sunshine or in rain!
Grateful in abundance for their presence,
My candles flicker fondly in candescence.
Grateful for my neighbours and my friends,
Conversation glad that never ends,
Happiness for every gracious blessing,
The heights of heaven earthly life caressing!
AD Lovkis, 15/08/25
adamdaniel 