A Gift from the Forest Stars - Rirakuton

Everyone goes through pain and hardships in life. But when I walk into the forest, I feel healed. And when I stand by the sea, it feels like all the pain and worries are washed away. People, the Earth - everything is precious. But above all, the most important thing is to love yourself. Sadly, war is still happening in the world today. But I believe that war wounds not only the victims, but also those who are seen as the perpetrators. Instead of hating the sin, forgiving ourselves and others is the first step toward peace. The "Forest Stars" in this poem represent forest fairies, and also the spirits of those who have passed away. This poem is written with a deep prayer for their peace. I truly believe- when each of us learns to love ourselves, that's when true world peace begins. - Ai Kakiuchi