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© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009

Poetry Collection of Tokyo



3

Contents

3 Introduction

4 Shall I Compare Thee to a Human Being? 5 New Year’s First Snow Hill Daze 6 Spring In this Warm Spring Rain Nothing in the Cry 7 Sunset The Autumn Full Moon Night Light

Moonlight Slanting

8 The Metro On the Train 9 Confusion

Children in Tokyo



4

Introduction

Tokyo- A city with so many unique qualities that appeals to every visitor. I thought that it was unfortunate for the people who have never visited one of the most traditional and modern places on Earth to not have the opportunity to acknowledge its original beauty as I have for the past 15 years. I sought for a solution to provide them that opportunity, and I noticed that finding the solution as a part of my Personal Project would be a great idea. I figured that using poetry to convey its extrinsic characteristics will be a great and a worthwhile project to do. Plus, I personally knew many people overseas who cannot come to Japan, yet show great interest in this country especially Tokyo. I also thought it would be a great opportunity to help them out. I hope that these poems you are about to read will embed the values of Tokyo into your minds and hearts and give you a better sense of what this city is like through psychological and intellectual interpretation. I will feel more than accomplished if I am able to ignite your interests for Tokyo and Japanese culture as well as English literature. In this poem collection, I have included several different forms of poetic literature: Sonnet, Haiku, Cinquain, Ballad, and Limerick. I wish that after reading these poems, you will at least have little interest or understanding about Tokyo, and in the near future visit this spectacular city.

Acknowledgements: In creating this collection, I would like to thank my supervisor and my English teacher, Ms. Anne Conrick for supporting and encouraging me with helpful ideas and guiding questions at frequent meetings which you have been so flexible with.

-Yuri Higashino, Grade 10

2008/02/12



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Shall I Compare Thee to a Human Being?

Shall I compare thee to a human being?

Thou art more beautiful and loyal

Women speak of words that are not as intriguing

As thy great temples that are very spiritual

Men ride cars which have very little value

Compared to thy skyscrapers that stand with pride

Thou art whom I share the most and lean to,

Even when by people I have been denied.

The sun-kissed mornings thou have painted

Gives me the strength to face morning traffics

The nights with neon lights thou have dotted

Sparkles ideas for my next poem, limericks

As long as my blood will continue to flow

Thou will know and see, all of me, Tokyo.

By Yuri Higashino [Sonnet]



8

Sunset

As the gold sun sets,

Trees get tanned with a soft glow

And now streets lighted

By Yuri Higashino

The Autumn Full Moon

The autumn full moon

All night long

I walked around the lake

By Matsuo Basho

Night Light

Moon hides behind clouds

Star-like lights fixed up above

Gleaming on and off

By Yuri Higashino [haiku]

Moonlight Slanting

Moonlight slanting

through the bamboo grove;

a cuckoo crying

By Matsuo Basho



10

Confusion

What is not to love about this city?

Buildings standing tall, looking classy

And wooden houses,

Since made, no changes

I love the confusion in Tokyo City.

By Yuri Higashino [Limerick]

Children in Tokyo

I can see women all dressed up and made up,

When I walk through many crowds and streets

Though their true faces, I cannot see

Wearing a mask of make-up, flaws which it eats

Speaking to and observing their business guests,

They are the salesmen, who live in crinkled suits.

They pour sake and flattery into the guests,

Trying to avoid conversational mutes.

Children, growing their wings to fly and live

Are the ones shining, the most with hope.

The lovely buds of this blooming city.

But, are there many of them here? Nope!

By Yuri Higashino [Ballad]

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