外孫女李晶讀詩「新しい朝」

Recital of the poem "A New Morning" by Christina Lee (李晶)

Note: Here's the transcript of Christina’s portion of the Helen Lai memorial service, including opening remarks, plus hiragana and English translations of the poem. 新しい朝 "A New Morning" by Amano Haruka (天野遥花).


There was so much that my grandmother wanted to do in her life. She had an avid interest and talent for painting, but never really had the time to pursue it.

I am about to read an excerpt from a poem (in Japanese) that I think captures my grandmother's spirit. This poem is about an untouched canvas and painting the picture of a bright new morning.

I believe that this is a new beginning for my grandmother and that she is in a happy place where she is free to pursue the things she loves.

 

まだ なにも えがかれていない

おおきくて

まっしろな キヤンバス に

 

うまれて はじめてみる

あさの ふうけいを

どんどん えがいていこう

 

さわやかな かぜがはこぶ

ほのかな くさの かおりを

 

せんさいな メロデイに みちた

ことりたちのうたを

 

おしろい はなに ともる

ちいさな ピンク いろの なつを

 

あたらしい たからものを みつけた

こどもの ように

ひとみを かがやかせ

 

まぶしい いちにちの ただなかへ

まっすぐに

かけだして いこう。

On a pristine white canvas,

 untouched, in big strokes

I draw briskly,

the morning as I see it for the first time in my life:

The subtle scent of grass

wafting on a fresh breeze,

The melody of birds

singing in delicate harmony,

The tiny pink of the four-o-clock

brought ablaze by the summer.

My eyes sparkle,

as if a child who has found a new treasure,

And I charge headlong into the heart of this brilliant day.