I received many comments about my collection of poems entitled “Soliloquy in the Plural”, and based on the favorable response I de- cided to do another poetry series. Instead of focusing solely on the characters’ names, I went through my Japanese dictionary and found words and phrases that not only contained parts of the characters’ names, but also related to their personalities and emotions. I would really appreciate any comments or questions regarding these poems, so don’t hesitate to write to me at my lonely little e-mail address: gramarye@rochester.rr.com. Disclaimer: I am shamelessly stealing these characters, which belong to a wonderful lady in Japan and the corporate ogres that fol- low her around. I have no remorse...take that as you will. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Soliloquy in the Plural: Appellation and Reputation By: Gramarye ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ki No Hayai – “Reckless” I love the feeling of freedom To make my own choices To control my life as I see fit So what if I seem to take chances? That’s my decision So what if I chose to take risks? It shouldn’t bother you I think I deserve to be in control After all, everything else just happens to me And I can think of at least one thing That made me feel utterly helpless—— I would rather die than feel like that again. Tsuki Ga Michiru – “Waxing Moon” (This is a point and counterpoint poem between Neo-Queen Serenity and Michiru, taking place sometime shortly after the founding of Crystal Tokyo.) Point I remember a time not too long ago When things were so complicated and almost unreal But still you managed to be there for me I can remember looking at you, filled with awe All I could think about was what you were So strong, so talented, so confident, so sure I used to wonder if I would ever understand you I used to wonder if you could ever understand me I know that now None of it really matters Yet I can’t help asking myself, sometimes Have you changed? Have I changed? Or are we back to where it all began? Counterpoint I remember a time not too long ago When I was fighting a war with myself and not with you But still you managed to prove me wrong I can remember looking at you, filled with scorn All I could think about was what you were So young, so trusting, so innocent, so naïve I used to wonder if I would ever understand you I used to wonder if you could ever understand me I know that now Everything is important Yet I can’t help asking myself, sometimes Have you changed? Have I changed? Or are we back to where it all began? Haruka Na Mukashi Ni – “Very Long Ago” The memories are vague in all of us It has been explained so many times But there is one incident that stands out to me I can’t describe it It’s hidden in the mists of time Only the emotions remain I take those feelings Translate them to real life To modern times In the hopes that you will see The love I had for you Very long ago Has not faded, nor diminished, nor dulled By the passage of unemotional time. Rei o Suru – “To Express Gratitude” The word I am looking for Will do you justice The many words I can think of Will not suffice Please tell me that you know what I mean I can’t seem to think clearly I apologize most sincerely It is merely That I fear That you will see through A simple “Arigato.” Aijin – “The Other Woman” That chapter in my life Was supposed to be closed I loved and lost, as the poet once said I know of no greater irony than myself The child of Love who is doomed to solitude I can’t conceal the anger anymore I can’t conceal the hurt anymore I can’t conceal the hatred anymore I thought I was free of my darkness But it is waiting for the right moment To come rushing in To engulf my soul And when it comes I think, this time, I may accept it. Mamonaku – “Before Long” I spent the better part of a lifetime alone Not believing that love could come my way I only had a vague vision of a heavenly lady Who begged me to free her. So I threw myself into A quest I knew nothing about Driven almost to insanity The one thing that saved me from madness Was the knowledge That before long She would be free. And with any luck, so would I. Tomodachi – “Friend” I wasn’t doing much that day. It came as quite a shock when a hat breezed by me Bright pink bow ruffled by the high wind Something strange stirred inside of me Told me to chase after it I ignored the pain, as I had so often done Managed to salvage the delicate bonnet And then——to my surprise—— The pretty young owner asked me to play with her And then——to my surprise—— I accepted. Mizuumi – “Lake” I like to skip stones across the water Tiny pebbles making minute indentations But I most enjoy watching the ripples spread Concentric circles expanding Entwining, creating patterns Of concord and dischord Fluidly and effortlessly Blazing a path across the limpid surface And when the stones run out When the last person has left The waves will continue to flow I see that my life will resemble the lake Calm at first, but changed entirely By external forces So tiny that they begin As small ripples in the fabric of time. Meiyo -- "Glory" I never asked to be given credit. I never asked for anything. What did I do that was so important? It's all in a day's work Preventing paradox Analyzing anomalies I'd prefer to fade quietly into the background Work behind the scenes, watch the actors perform, You don't see the person who opens the curtain But that person is the one Who really creates the drama you see.