1. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009

2. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009

3. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
Contents
3 Introduction
4 Shall I Compare Thee to a Human Being?
5 New Year’s First Snow
Hill Daze
6 Spring
In this Warm Spring Rain
Nothing in the Cry
7 Sunset
The Autumn Full Moon
Night Light
Moonlight Slanting
8 The Metro
On the Train
9 Confusion
Children in Tokyo
3
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009

4. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
Introduction
Tokyo- A city with so many unique qualities that appeals to every visitor.
I thought that it was unfortunate for the people who have never visited one of the most traditional and modern
places on Earth to not have the opportunity to acknowledge its original beauty as I have for the past 15 years. I
sought for a solution to provide them that opportunity, and I noticed that finding the solution as a part of my
Personal Project would be a great idea. I figured that using poetry to convey its extrinsic characteristics will be a
great and a worthwhile project to do. Plus, I personally knew many people overseas who cannot come to Japan, yet
show great interest in this country especially Tokyo. I also thought it would be a great opportunity to help them
out.
I hope that these poems you are about to read will embed the values of Tokyo into your minds and hearts and give
you a better sense of what this city is like through psychological and intellectual interpretation. I will feel more
than accomplished if I am able to ignite your interests for Tokyo and Japanese culture as well as English literature.
In this poem collection, I have included several different forms of poetic literature: Sonnet, Haiku, Cinquain,
Ballad, and Limerick. I wish that after reading these poems, you will at least have little interest or understanding
about Tokyo, and in the near future visit this spectacular city.
Acknowledgements: In creating this collection, I would like to thank my supervisor and my English teacher, Ms.
Anne Conrick for supporting and encouraging me with helpful ideas and guiding questions at frequent meetings
which you have been so flexible with.
-Yuri Higashino, Grade 10
2008/02/12
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© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009

5. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
Shall I Compare Thee to a Human Being?
Shall I compare thee to a human being?
Thou art more beautiful and loyal
Women speak of words that are not as intriguing
As thy great temples that are very spiritual
Men ride cars which have very little value
Compared to thy skyscrapers that stand with pride
Thou art whom I share the most and lean to,
Even when by people I have been denied.
The sun-kissed mornings thou have painted
Gives me the strength to face morning traffics
The nights with neon lights thou have dotted
Sparkles ideas for my next poem, limericks
As long as my blood will continue to flow
Thou will know and see, all of me, Tokyo.
By Yuri Higashino [Sonnet]
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6. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
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7. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009

8. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
Sunset
As the gold sun sets,
Trees get tanned with a soft glow
And now streets lighted
By Yuri Higashino
The Autumn Full Moon
The autumn full moon
All night long
I walked around the lake
By Matsuo Basho
Night Light
Moon hides behind clouds
Star-like lights fixed up above
Gleaming on and off
By Yuri Higashino [haiku]
Moonlight Slanting
Moonlight slanting
through the bamboo grove;
a cuckoo crying
By Matsuo Basho
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9. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009

10. Poetry Collection of Tokyo
Confusion
What is not to love about this city?
Buildings standing tall, looking classy
And wooden houses,
Since made, no changes
I love the confusion in Tokyo City.
By Yuri Higashino [Limerick]
Children in Tokyo
I can see women all dressed up and made up,
When I walk through many crowds and streets
Though their true faces, I cannot see
Wearing a mask of make-up, flaws which it eats
Speaking to and observing their business guests,
They are the salesmen, who live in crinkled suits.
They pour sake and flattery into the guests,
Trying to avoid conversational mutes.
Children, growing their wings to fly and live
Are the ones shining, the most with hope.
The lovely buds of this blooming city.
But, are there many of them here? Nope!
By Yuri Higashino [Ballad]
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© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009