17 Sai no Uta (Song For 17 Years Old)
Mao Abe
Text

I’ve suddenly become lonely. Despite that it’s not like I’m even alone
When I was cowering all alone in my room I suddenly thought “I want to cry”

I’ve suddenly become worried. About things like how tomorrow will be
When I was cowering all alone in my room I suddenly thought “I want to cry”

People’s voices pierce my ears: “You’re not a child anymore”
Even if you say it like that I’m scared… I don’t know… What is right?

I’m crying; all alone I’m crying

A sad thing has happened.
Although I often found cloud animals in this very same sky when I was younger
Now... now I can’t find them anymore

Each time people sing me “happy birthday” I lose one more thing
We’re becoming adults while our muddied hearts can’t catch up

People’s voices pierce my ears: “You’re not a child anymore”
Even if I’m not told “You’ve got to protect yourself,” I realize that ...
But...

When I become an adult can I become stronger?
When I become an adult can I protect myself?
Is there some kind of weapon given to adults?
Where is the “goal” of children?

I’m crying; all alone I’m crying
It’s probably not visible; You probably can’t see it
© Shane D. Anderson 2015. All rights reserved.