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Miserable Homecoming
To her own home, to which she had so wanted to return,
Chieko has come dead.
Late on an October night, I sweep away dust
And sanctify a small corner of the empty studio
And lay Chieko there.
In front of this unmoving body
I stand still as if for ever.
People put up the funeral screens,
People light the candles and burn incense,
People make up Chieko's face,
Things take care of themselves,
A new day dawns, then night falls,
Everywhere comes alive,
The house fills up with flowers,
It begins to look like someone's funeral,
And, before I know it, Chieko is gone.
I stand alone in the dark and deserted studio,
Outside is what they call the night of the full moon.
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