Okoshi-yasu: A Kyotō Welcome
Miyako! Dear Miyako! Do the walls of odoi still stand?
My Lord, they do not. There is peace across this mountain-filled land.
How far does this welcomed bliss now extend?
My words are true. Far beyond where the Tamba highlands end.
Saikyō! Dear Saikyō! Shall not we be off to Teramachi to pray?
My husband, we cannot. The gods have left; gave way to play.
How long does this fun go?
There is no end. The street wails out for the quiet days of long ago.
Gaijin! Dear Gaijin! Can’t you just leave well enough alone?
My foe, we cannot. There is much to be gained.
Gajin! Dear Gaijin! How would you feel?
We do not know. Such a destiny for us will never be real.
Henry! Dear Henry! Can you save us all?
My Asian mistress, I cannot. There is an inferno in the sky that begs to fall.
How brightly will those flames burn?
Like the sun. But, fear not, it’s not your turn.
Keishi! Dear Keishi! May we visit that which is old?
My mate, we may. But, there is much that has perished.
Kyotō! Dear Kyotō! How much can we rebuild?
All will be remade; alas, none reborn. Memories forever cherished.
Friend! Dear friend! Can we come in?
My foreign guest, you can. But, know there is much to be learned.
Friend! Dear Friend! How do we prepare?
Worry not, everything is here. If this is to truly be our home, just care.
Kyotō! Dear Kyotō! May we dine tonight on obanzai?
My love, we can. There is a feast to be had within these walls.
How long must your flattery be endured?
One thousand years. My affection for you is assured.
