About this work
A poem expresses gratitude for friends’ support and the wish to become strong enough to offer comfort in return. This English version is an editorial translation for access; the Japanese text remains available alongside it for comparison.
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日本語原文 Japanese original
ほんとうに辛い時に
はじめて気がついたの
周りにいる友達という存在が
何よりもわたしを慰める
自分の時間も惜しまずに
寄り添ってくれるあなた
あたたかな居場所を見つけて
こんな情けない自分なのに
だがら友より強くならねば
今度はわたしが友を励ませる番だから
さりげなく大切なことを
教えて上げるわ、友達に。でも友達さん、
あなた、どこへ行くの？
行かないで！ 私は行かないから、あなたも去っていかないで。
English translation 英訳
AI-assisted English translation. The Japanese original remains authoritative.
Friends
Nao Takatori
2023.8.10
During the truly painful times,
I first realized
that the existence of friends around me
comforts me more than anything.
You, who come alongside me without sparing your own time,
help me find a warm place to be.
Even though I am such a pitiful self,
I must become stronger than my friends.
For next time, it will be my turn to encourage my friends.
I will gently teach you, my friends, the important things.
But, my friends,
where are you going?
Don't go! I won't go, so please don't leave either.
Original wording, author credits, notes and source materials are preserved there.