Tree
Kijima Hajime, Sato Churyo

The Tree 
Sato Churyo (illustrations), Kijima Hajime (text)

A great tree — what might it be thinking? When I draw a great tree on paper, the great tree tells me all kinds of stories.

The roots of a great tree are full of stories. The strongest of all things — the roots of a tree — morning, noon and night, they quietly draw water up from the earth.

A great tree gazes up at the sky and listens to the song of the wind. A great tree loves the sky very much.

From the knots on a tree I hear a song of patience. They sing in silence — the knots on a tree. Past and present breathe together — the knots on a tree.

When the light and the wind grow gentle, every tree fills with joy and brightens.

Newly born young leaves tremble with their tiny bodies and chatter cheerfully. The joy of meeting again after so long, the young leaves whisper to each other with a smile.

Here we go! Up — up — I'll wrap my arms around it and try to climb!

Phew — oh my! In the midst of a green fireworks display, the great tree stands and sings.

Thank you. I'll come back again.