Seasonal Feathers

The dancing powder snow
Dyes the mountain's back white
In the desolate village's bone shop
Two people huddle together on a winter night

The day we met was also snowy
You whispered with a smile
Your face that jumped out to the hearth fire
Was hidden in the shadow of a big sleeve

Welcoming the arrival of spring
Singing with the birds chirping with joy
'What a beautiful voice,' you said
Just that, those words, made me happy

Someday, even if my voice isn't beautiful anymore
Will you still love me?
'It's obvious,' you gently laughed
And softly your big hand caressed my cheek

On a summer afternoon with shining green leaves
You fell ill
In our poor married life
We couldn't afford the medicine to heal you

The next day, the next day
Just, earnestly weaving flags
Like the fleeting leaves of autumn colors
I won't let your life scatter

The seasons flow
The bell crickets announce the end of summer
'What beautiful fingers,' you said, holding my scarred hand
Your hand was too cold

Someday, even if my fingers aren't beautiful anymore
Will you still love me?
'It's obvious,' you coughed while saying
Your big hand wrapped around my aching fingers

Day and night, keep weaving flags
Quickly, quickly, we must buy the medicine
Just a little more, a bit more, before the leaves fall
Until these fingers stop, until these feathers run out

Oh, the wind of the setting sun
Swinging and dropping the merciless
Flames of my decaying body

Someday, even if I'm no longer human
Will you still love me?
Scared, unable to tell the truth
Quietly, alone, I fold the last feather

'It's obvious,' I laughed
Embracing you who lost your wings, I said
I still remember the crane that flew beautifully that day
And I still love you the same