About this work
A small damselfly encountered during a shared walk becomes a delicate companion to the two people. Its sudden disappearance leaves the moment suspended between observation and memory.
Parallel reading
日本語と英語で読む
Read the Japanese original and its English translation together. On smaller screens, each language follows in sequence.
日本語原文 Japanese original
あの葉の上に止まったよと
指さす私に
どれ？というあなた
あれはイトトンボだよと
あなたが教えてくれた
細く青く光るイトトンボ
かよわそうに一瞬ふわりと高く飛んで
また、後ろ髪を引かれるように
わたしとあなたについてきた
青いイトトンボ
知らぬ間に姿を消した
青いイトトンボ
今はいずこに・・・
English translation 英訳
AI-assisted English translation. The Japanese original remains authoritative.
“It landed on that leaf,” I said,
pointing.
“Which one?” you asked.
“That is a damselfly,”
you told me.
A slender damselfly shining blue,
looking so fragile,
it fluttered high for a moment,
then, as if reluctant to leave,
followed you and me.
Blue damselfly—
before we knew it, you were gone.
Blue damselfly—
where are you now...?
Original wording, author credits, notes and source materials are preserved there.