滝の詩 Waterfall

Like the waterfall, fierce,
like the waterfall, unflagging,
like the waterfall, unfearing,
like the waterfall, merrily,
like the waterfall, proudly
– a man should have the bearing of a king.

如瀑布般激昂
如瀑布般不懈
如瀑布般无畏
如瀑布般明朗
如瀑布般威武
男子汉
要有王者风范

Recently, a famous literary monthly journal in South Korea, entitled "Literature World" (文学世界) began publication of Sensei's poems for past 10 months. One of the poems is "Waterfall". With it, the editorial advisor, 黄锦灿, who is also a well-known poet himself, was so touched that he commented to the effect that "(this) poem fulfilled my long cherished dream; the poem have given me mysticism of life.. The fact that I've encountered this wonderful poem before I die, I am deeply touched. I wouldn't like to address the writer as a normal human, but poet sage (诗圣)."

It is noteworthy to mention that Poet Huang has received many awards from Korea in literature, culture and arts. Though at age 92, he is still full of vigour and creativity. He has never met Ikeda Sensei in person.

Background:

The poem was written by Ikeda Sensei in 1971 at Tohoku, when he saw a powerfully flowing waterfall at Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture. The melody was composed by a member of the Arts Division, Takeo Sakurada, a year later. (More info can be found at President Ikeda's speech at the 7th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders meeting held on 24 may 2007, published in SSA Times Issue 283).