'It Reached Me': An Aozora Kurumi-Dedicated Poetry Mini-Collection

A YEAR-ENDER AOZORA KURUMI PROJECT 'IT REACHED ME' WRITTEN BY A.K. SHIMBUN



this page is left intentionally blank



FOREWORD \"Oh, it's not alright, that one day we're all out of time I'll write you another life, I'm sorry for crying It's just that I love you One day can't be far enough\" -\"Blossom\" by Porter Robinson Perhaps I couldn't thank you enough for the light you had given me through those words. \"IT REACHED ME\" It's the greater thought that has kept me pushing these works in your honor. And even though the real world can be overwhelming, there is always someone--silently--remembering you always. I couldn't thank you enough for pushing me through this year. Here's a collection of poems in your honor :) Within the folds of support shall stay, A.K. Shimbun



TO THE SKY I. Perhaps I said this statement Boldly quite a few times in your honor That your lofty descent into this realist world Had made me realize once more To always look up into the heavens II. I penned some time ago That I had always a kid-like fascination To the skies above our heads Days laden with the golden sun and clouds Nights laden with the celestial bodies Or perhaps enjoy the soothing sound of rain?

III. But that kid-like fascination Vanished like water into vapor And never condensed into clouds I saw a bleak reminder of my difference A past so dark I just want to forget Like a thunderstorm raining on a parade IV. There were quite the moments When there were a wave of inspirations That made me rethink a beautiful past But yours perhaps made a more prominent splash Not to mention you are from the Heavens A messenger on Cloud Palace V. And so within this ongoing journey You make me remind in the smallest ways That our life is still vast Like the looming skies ahead Beaming with sheer optimism ahead Let’s look to the sky together.

AMPHORA I. The eight of May of this year Is a day that I will never forget Seeing you giggle and speak in an angelic voice A memory to be made A first interaction with you Paving for greater memories II. Just like the age-old amphora That has became the symbol of trade Whose civilization relied on these pieces To carry on economy and trade To carry on thriving Amid the chaos III. Perhaps you are that amphora Where we etch new memories That we altogether create and store Into a fun-laden vessel of happiness Appreciation of talent And jokes along the way IV. Let’s mold that amphora As the months peel by And we hope that the memories Will last for a very long time The journey will surely lost Strengthened by the abstract amphora being made

LISTEN Listen Do you Hear that sound? Yes, that sweet melody? Of a talented maiden, messenger Destined to mingle, blend with us. But what did we get? A more angelic lady Blessed with laughter It’s you Kurumi

Seven You grew your network seven-fold In the middle of your seven-month journey A community eager to wait you A fandom so excited to see you Three You have the trinity of lovable traits Talents overflowing to bless us all Laughter to keep us high in spirits Kindness to keep us in check Two Two words you said to Lift me from my spirits into A haven of creativity and appreciation It ‘reached me’ One A word to describe my journey with you ‘Blissful’ to sum it all Thankful that I have met you Thankful that I supported you~

THE FIRST MEET I. IV. Do you remember? Do you remember? The first time we made a connection? The first time you replied I wasn’t familiar with this scene ‘Excited you there’ you said with glee This virtual idol thing My heart skipped a beat That swept the digital world And the rest was history V. II. Do you remember? Do you remember? Those early days? The time when you were announced Apologies for cherishing it one more time I was just your typical reporter Needing the urge to relive that moment Wasn’t the one who wrote your story To once ignite the spark within me But nevertheless piqued my curiosity III. Do you remember? The first time I heard about you I remember my exact words That I wasn’t into this ‘thing’ But seeing you made me excited for your debut

BLEEDING PEN I. III. The days have passed by The days continued to pass by Weeks have gone by And I witnessed your constant growth The seventh month journey continues forward We were ecstatic seeing you grow But one thing is certain, milady And the bleeding pen wrote once more Your presence will let my pen bleed A compilation of your milestones II. The first day that I saw you The imaginary pen I had IV. Bled into what’s now an account As we close off this year A dedication to your happenings And hope for a much brighter future Updates, content and everything I will always smile with you And with the pen in my hand Will let it bleed always to your name

CATCH-UP I. III. The fingers hovered my keyboard I always find so calming As I typed out another message That you always tell me to never overwork Perhaps once every month To find time for myself To keep always in touch Wind down and relax II. IV. I always find it so endearing I always find it humbling That you tell me to never worry That in your end I’m always appreciated About not being present Despite my non-active presence In the longest of time In the midst of chaos V. And so my fingers have moved once more Perhaps to leave you another catch-up message I hope that you’ll be find always; and perhaps as you say: ‘Let’s catch up when time comes, ne?’

'KAVVAII' A dream not so far away A dream to bring out the best Of this region has to offer A region teeming with such diversity Not only of culture, but also talent A talent from the not-so-distant past Was our key-opener to the world That anything is possible To communicate a message Of inclusiveness, recognition And a kick-starter to this industry I was thankful that my writing curiosity Had lead me to knowing you, appreciating you Let the journey roll on We await what the future holds For you and the one that opened the doors

52-HERTZ It was like magic when I first saw you Graced with your Victorian style A gentle, gorgeous look With a giggle that captured everyone With a voice that entranced us all Keep on pushing, milady Sail forth, keep on singing You are like that famed whale Whose voice differed from the rest But loved by many You are part of a larger group But you remain as humble Your voice will be ever unique Keep on singing Your work shall be known far and wide

EPILOGUE I am thankful that I have closed Another year of chaos of uncertainty With your smile and your talent to keep me sane I am thankful that you are The most understanding entity I have fell into Let us meet again next year And the pen will always bleed art Always in your honor Until the next project for you, milady, TEDDY C,