A famous Japanese poet, "Machi Tawara (俵万智)," describes a lovebird's meeting in her poem:
The meeting would have been impossible if their births didn't coincide in history. Only 100 years of difference in their birthdays would have made it impossible to meet each other. The probability of their meeting is extremely small because they have to live in the same era before they meet in this world. The poet sings of a glorious life experience that only occurs by chance. The poet's words make us realize how many experiences we miss. As may be expected of the poet, her way of thinking is different from that of ordinary people.
Just the other day, I found myself wishing I could pass through history and touch those that went before me when a discovery was made at Matsuyana Castle. Matsuyama Castle is in the heart of my home town. It was constructed 400 years ago, taking 25 years. The original features of the castle have been maintained by timely restorations and fundamental reconstructions in every century. The castle has been under reconstruction these past 2 years. During the renovation, a lot of the castle was replaced in order to conserve the original features for the next 100 years. In the process of replacement, to my surprise, two pictures were found on the ceiling. A samurai was painted on the wooden ceiling. It is estimated that it was drawn 200 years ago. It was big, local news. Who painted it? Who is in the picture? One picture is an overhead view of a samurai's head. It might have been drawn by a carpenter who worked on the ceiling. That samurai might have been a kind of official of the renovation committee in those days. The other picture is a portrait of a samurai. I felt close to this unknown painter and the picture of the samurai. I felt a sense of fun for the painter to see the picture and thought he and I might have been good friends if I had been born in the same era.
The painter and the samurai disappeared into history. I can't meet nor talk with them but if I had enough imagination, I might be able to exchange feelings with them. Human history flows all around me and I cannot touch what already happened before I was born. I happened to be born after World War 2. I am caught in the big stream of history. I'd like to visit various historical sites all over the world and talk with those who have gone before me. Can I hear the voice of Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo? Can I hear the voice of Robert Scott at the South Pole? Can I see famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Renoir drawing or walking at Le Bateau-Lavoir on the hill of Montmartre?
What lessons can I learn from my forbearers?
(Vocabulary)
expect sth of/from sb/sth ＜…＞に＜…＞を期待する
Good behavior is expected of all our students.
本校の生徒は生徒としての本分をわきまえて行動すること．
forbearer 先人
forbear 慎む, がまんする
forbear from doing sth (forbear to do sthとも) ＜…＞するのを慎む
(KW:松山城)
Comments