Winter Night (冬の夜)

I put on black mourning clothes.
Winter night has come.
In the sky, countless stars,
blue candles, burn.
Upon the earth, like a dog with no home, the wind howls.

Please come in
young traveler—
Shut the door tight,
turn on the light,
and we’ll get the stove going.

The brightness of the lamp
will shine into the darkest corners of your mind.
Smile, be glad.
The warm embers of the fire
will bring soft comfort to the coldest chambers of your heart.

Please sit down
young traveler—
The kettle is ready.
Sip your tea, and as you do,
I will ask you to tell
the story of your life.

We are alone, surrounded
by the dark and cold winter night.
Patience,
we must make it through this.
The night is long,
the journey far.
More, more,
please open more of your heart to me.
Let’s talk,
let’s share our stories until
I am lit by the warmth of your breath.
For the winter night is clothed in black mourning,
and here we are, surrounded.