Speak Softly
三島和希
Kazuki Mishima

Speak softly, dear one.
Speak softly
when the longhouse is filled with loud people
carrying samoln from the stream.
Speak softly
when when we are alone
in preparation for the potlatch.
Speak softly
when I hold you.

Speak softly
should I ever lose my temper with you.
Speak softly
should the samoln fail to return,
the streams dry,
and the longhouse rot.
Speak softly, dear one,
and who shall ever want to harm you?