About this work
The image of a seemingly withered tree becomes an appeal for patience, care and the possibility of renewed life. This English version is an editorial translation for access; the Japanese text remains available alongside it for comparison.
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
たとえ枯れ木に見えても
その根は生きている
まだ諦めるには早いから
復活の奇跡を貴方の手で起こそう
たとえ枯れ木に見えても
水を欲しているかも知れない
見限らないで・・・
見棄てないで・・・
その根っこには秘めたエネルギーが残されている
決して根腐れさせないように用心しながら
片身に空を窺う魚のように
復活の機を手探りに
永らえば鼓動も息吹もときめきも
思い遣りと優しさで復活するの
枯れ木に花を咲かせましょう！
枯れ木に灰をまいた「はなさかじいさん」が軌跡を起こしたように
貴方の手で季節外れの花を咲かせてみようよ
復活の軌跡という素晴らしい感動を起こそうよ
貴方ならきっとできる
貴方だから必ずできると
私にささやきつづけるの
この枯れ枝が⋯
English translation 英訳
AI-assisted English translation. The Japanese original remains authoritative.
Even if it looks like a dead tree,
its roots are alive.
It is still too soon to give up.
Bring about the miracle of revival with your own hands.
Even if it looks like a dead tree,
it may still be thirsting for water.
Do not write it off.
Do not abandon it.
Hidden energy remains in its roots.
Take care that the roots never rot.
Like a fish turning one side toward the sky,
feel your way toward the moment of revival.
If life endures, heartbeat, breath and excitement
will return through compassion and kindness.
Let us make flowers bloom on the dead tree!
As Hanasaka Jiisan worked a miracle by scattering ash,
let your hands bring forth flowers out of season.
Let us create the wonder called revival.
You surely can;
because you are you, you certainly can—
this withered branch keeps whispering to me.
Original wording, author credits, notes and source materials are preserved there.