What was happiness for my mother
who could not speak, but was always at rest?

It may have been just a little moment of joy
when her position was changed in bed.

It may have been a little moment of tenderness
when the carestaff came
to open the drape of her room
and she could feel the sunshine.

What was the world for her
who could not ask anything but just lying down?

It may have been the world of sensitivity
for the little happiness of receiving gentle care
and hearing kind words.

The form of happiness changes
according to the situation.
I have learned from Mom
a new form of happiness.
(Apr. 28, 2021)

Teruko Yamakawa (translator)