time is of the essence | Ikkoku o arasō

 

 

 

"time is of the essence"

 

 

We compete for every moment-

               ikkoku o arasō- 

as dawn spills gold across the plains,

each breath a bargain struck in morning’s hush.

 

We vie for each minute and each second-  

             ippun ichibyō o arasō- 

while shadows flee the sun’s fierce blaze,

hearts pounding in the space between ticks.

 

Today’s single moment is worth a thousand gold coins-

kyō no ikkoku wa senkin ni ataisuru-

so let us gather sparks before they drift to dust.

 

Time is money- toki wa kane nari-

and time is life- toki wa inochi nari-

two truths entwined in every pulsing hour.

 

Time flies like an arrow- kōin ya no gotoshi-

so sharpen your gaze, track its silent arc,

lest it pierce your dreams and vanish.

 

Treasure time- toki o oshimu-

with careful hands and eager eyes,

for in its fleeting pulse we find our only chance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

As we age, time becomes more valuable. Each moment counts.

as dawn spills gold across the plains -
such beautiful imagery created here Freds

Treasure time - yes indeed. It is wasted on the young, who do not appreciate its value.

Gorgeous poetry. I didn’t translate - Japanese phrases I think. Much enjoyed.Happy Sunday to you.

Chris