Be not defeated by the rain

In the bus on our way to Hanamaki, an older Japanese gentleman tried to convince another volunteer to read some of the works of Hanamaki's famous writer Kenji Miyazawa. I am not sure if he had much success with the volunteer but the name sucked in my head and I couldn't resist to look him up and read some of his works. In my next entry I will (mis)use one of his poems for one of my assignments but I would like to post it before, so you can see the whole and not just the parts I used. It's surprisingly matching for the current situation. Maybe some of the people in Rikuzen Takada or the other effected areas know and remember his words right now...

Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.

Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.

Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.

Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.

Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.

A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove's shade.

A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.

If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.

If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.

If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.

If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:

Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.

In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.

In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.

Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:

Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a "Great Man".

This is my goal, the person I strive to become.

Borrowed from: http://www.kenji-world.net/english/