(Translated by David Jacobson, Sally Ito, and Tsuboi Michiko.) We are all precious beings with our own unique gifts. The poem reminds us that we all have our own stories, our own histories, our own accomplishments and experiences. Misuzu focuses first on the things that we can’t do, and only then reminds us of the things we can do and the types of knowledge we do possess. As our knowledge and abilities increase, we often start to discriminate between those who can do things and others who cannot. When we come into the world, we are helpless and ignorant creatures who can do nothing for ourselves. We are all champions within our own areas of expertise. We’re all different, but we all have our special qualities.Īnother important aspect of the poem is the way in which it focuses on the things we can’t do, and all the things we do not know: the speaker can’t fly like a bird, but then the bird can’t run as fast as she can along the ground. The title of the poem in Japanese is “Watashi to kotori to suzu to” (Me, the little bird, and the bell) but the line in the poem itself reverses this order to refer to “suzu to kotori to, sorekara watashi” “the bell, the little bird, and me.” Not “me and you,” but “you and I”-this choice expresses an openness and acceptance of others, delighting in the differences that make each of us precious and unique. My favorite part of the poem is the first line of the final stanza.

It is a vision of the world that is far removed from an egotistical, human-centered understanding. Everyone is perfect in their own way: the perfect version of their own unique self.

These differences make all lifeforms precious and unique. All life on earth, including human beings, has its unique strengths and its own role to play. The poem conveys a message of tolerance and understanding, one that finds value in diverse ways of being: Everyone is different, but everyone has their own strengths. This is one of Kaneko Misuzu’s best-known works. (Translated by David Jacobson, Sally Ito, and Tsuboi Michiko) We’re all different, and that’s just fine.

Forever bird bell