The 17th of September, 1997.
My mother’s birthday, and
the day I departed alone
for a journey to cure myself.

I remember Mom’s sad face.
The jouney for Paris, via Singapore,
was a wild attempt
made by mental illness.

In the plane for Paris,
my heart was wandering somewhere
ｗhile praying the rosary.

In the taxi from the airport
to Versaille, I fell unconscious.
I was in a gold field of flowers
with the Sun so near,
I was embraced
in an eternal Light and warmth.

I regained consciousness
in a hospital bed in Paris.

It was the 3rd of October when I left Paris,
and the 4th when I arrived at Narita,
the same day as the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.

Didn’t know the 17th of September is
the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis.

I was protected by Mom and St. Francis,
so now I feel. The numbers tell that.
Or, is it just a coincidence?

I still feel the wonder of numbers.
( Apr. 16, 2021)

Teruko Yamakawa (translator)