Bamboo Boat

"Bamboo-Leaf Boat" – Go Odaira +
On a full-moon night when bamboo flowers bloom, a single tear falls.
A small boat carrying hidden feelings crosses the Milky Way.
July, the Star Festival; colorful strips of paper flutter.
Pretending to gaze at the moonlit night, I quietly slipped away alone.
I had resolved not to write down wishes that could never come true.
Feelings I could tell no one—I set them adrift on a bamboo-leaf boat.
Even with my eyes closed, I see your face; a single tear falls.
A small boat carrying unrequited feelings vanished into the darkness.
Feelings I couldn't share, set adrift; hesitantly, it began to sway and row away.
If only you were waiting where that drifting boat is headed...
A small boat entrusted with an impossible wish crosses the Milky Way.
On a full-moon night when bamboo flowers bloom, a single tear falls.
A small boat carrying hidden feelings crosses the Milky Way—toward that person.